§ Mr. Pagetasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that there has been a marked deterioration in the quality of coal allocated to Northampton for the period commencing 2nd May next; and whether he will take steps to improve this allocation.
§ Mr. GaitskellI would not agree that there has been a marked deterioration in the quality of coal allocated to Northampton for the period commencing 2nd May next as against last summer, which is the comparable period. My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary has already written to my hon. and learned Friend explaininginter alia that our export commitments and the geographical position of depots must, in present circumstances, be the main factors determining the allocation of coals from the various divisions and areas of the National Coal Board.