§ Mr. Henderson Stewartasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is aware that farm workers in East Fife are unable to obtain adequate supplies of coal; that these men and their families have no alternative means of heat, such as gas or electricity, and that without coal the women in the homes are severely handicapped in their domestic duties; and what steps he has taken in regard to the particular complaint presented to him by the hon. Member for Fife, East, with regard to shortage of fuel at ploughmen's cottages at Strathkinness.
114Wcated to merchants; and the quantity per consumer actually made available to merchants, in each of the following periods; Summer 1948, Winter 1948–49, Summer 1949, Winter 1949–50, to the latest practicable date, respectively.
§ Mr. RobensThroughout the period covered by the Question the maximum quantity of house coal which in the Midland Region might, without licence, be furnished or acquired for consumption in any controlled premises is at present 50 cwt. for the year. Of this quantity not more than 20 cwt. might be furnished or acquired during the Summer six months May to October inclusive, and not more than 30 cwt. during the Winter six months.
The remainder of the information requested by the hon. Member is as follows:
§ Mr. RobensMy inquiries have disclosed no evidence of any special difficulty with regard to supplies of coal to farm workers in East Fife. As regards the last part of the Question, I assume the hon. Member is referring to the letter he sent me about supplies to farm workers at Kincaple Farm, Guardbridge. I have nothing to add to my reply to that letter.