§ Sir H. Roperasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that in view of the greatly increased use of Aga and other fuel-saving cookers since the war, allocations of phurnacite and anthracite based on pre-war purchases are insufficient to meet the needs of householders in Cornwall; that coke of the quality available is widely found to be an unsuitable substitute; and if he will take steps to increase supplies of suitable fuel.
§ Mr. P. Noel-BakerI am aware that the use of such appliances has increased during recent years, but owing to the importance of anthracite as an export, I cannot at present hold out any hope of an early increase in domestic supplies of that fuel. Supplies of phurnacite are also far short of the demand but a second unit is being built which will double the plant capacity and the National Coal Board hope to have this in operation early next year. Ample supplies of coke, which is quite a suitable fuel for practically all of these cookers, are however available in most districts, and if the hon. Member will let me know of any difficulty in obtaining deliveries of suitable qualities of coke which has come to his notice, 91W I will gladly have inquiries made. It is of course, desirable to use the correct sizes of coke to obtain the best results and the makers of the appliances will give advice on this point if necessary.