§ Mr. Sharpasked the Minister of Fuel and Power to what extent the recent reduction in coal production in Lancashire has resulted in more coal being sent there from the West Riding of Yorkshire; why the allocations made to some coal distributors in the West Riding during May were reduced; and when it is proposed that such deficits will be made good.
§ Mr. GaitskellThe special measures taken to avoid undue hardship to consumers in the North Western Region included the diversion to that region of150W about 5,000 tons of domestic coal which would normally have been supplied to the West Riding of Yorkshire. With regard to the second part of the Question the Summer house coal programme came into operation on 2nd May. This, in the normal course, is at a lower level in the Northern regions (including the West Riding) than in the Winter and merchants' allocations generally have been reduced during May on that account. Some merchants' allocations are also being reduced following a loss of customers arising from the opportunity recently given to consumers to change their coal merchants. As regards the last part of the Question, future supplies will be so arranged as to spread the loss of coal caused by the reduction in output in Lancashire as widely and fairly as possible, but, having regard to the requirements of the railways, gas works and general industry and to the necessity for exporting coal, I can hold out no hope of making good that loss to the house coal programme.