HC Deb 18 May 1950 vol 475 cc191-2W
Major Conant

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is aware of the scarcity of coal supplies in Manton, Rutland, and the neighbouring villages; and whether he will take steps to expedite deliveries to this centre.

Mr. P. Noel-Baker

The cold spell since Easter has increased the demand for deliveries of house coal in many areas at a time when merchants' stocks, put down in the summer to supplement current supplies in the winter, are naturally depleted; this fact, combined with the effect on supplies of the colliery holidays at Easter, may have resulted in some temporary delays in delivery. The local fuel overseer, however, has not received any complaints from consumers in Manton or the neighbouring villages, and supplies in this area have been well maintained over the winter six months.