HC Deb 22 February 1949 vol 461 cc271-2W
117. Mr. Chetwynd

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that coal stocks are insufficient to meet the proposed winter allocation to householders in Stockton-on-Tees; and whether he will send additional coal to this area.

Mr. Gaitskell

I am aware of this, but I would add that deliveries in the Stockton district this winter have been higher than those last winter. As regards the second part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackburn (Mrs. Castle) on 17th February. The northern region has received a higher proportion of its allocation than the average for the country as a whole and receipts have recently increased. In the circumstances I should not be justified in diverting supplies to Stockton from other regions.