§ 110. Mr. Mott-Radclyffeasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that coal merchants in east Berkshire are experiencing increasing difficulty in obtaining their allocation of Phurnacite; and whether he will inquire into the distribution of this fuel in this area.
§ Mr. P. Noel-BakerPhurnacite is not distributed under a system of allocation, as in the case of house coal. I am, however, informed by the National 219W Coal Board that the difficulties in meeting demand are general, and not confined to any particular areas.
§ 111. Mr. Mott-Radclyffeasked the Minister of Fuel and Power what steps are being taken to increase the supply of Phurnacite, in view of the increasing number of Aga and similar cookers which are being installed.
§ Mr. P. Noel-BakerI am informed by the National Coal Board, who are the makers of Phurnacite, that they are doubling the plant capacity for its production, and that the new plant is expected to be ready early next year. Coke, which is plentiful in most districts, is a suitable alternative for nearly all cooking stoves, and I am advised that the Aga cooker was designed to burn coke.