§ 76. Brigadier Medlicottasked the Minister of Fuel and Power the present stocks of coal in the Eastern Region as compared with the stocks on the comparable dates in 1951 and 1952, respectively.
§ Mr. Joynson-HicksMerchants' stocks of house coal, anthracite and boiler fuel in the Eastern Region on 10th October last amounted to 108,000 tons compared with 169,000 tons a year before and 85,000 tons two years before. Total stocks held by industry, gas works, and power stations in that Region on the same dates were 919,000 tons, 975,000 tons and 825,000 tons, respectively.
§ 80. Mr. T. Reidasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is now satisfied that there will be adequate supplies of fuel for the next winter.
§ Mr. Joynson-HicksI have nothing to add to the answer my right hon. Friend gave my hon. Friend the Member for Kidderminster (Mr. Nabarro) last Wednesday.
§ Mr. Collickasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is aware of the shortage of coal stocks at Birkenhead, which amount, approximately, to little more than one weeks' supply; and what steps he is taking to ensure more adequate supplies to the area.
§ Mr. Geoffrey LloydI am making inquiries and will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.
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§ Mr. Willeyasked the Minister of Fuel and Power what action he proposes to take to improve the coal stocks.
§ Mr. Geoffrey LloydI have nothing to add to the answer I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Kidderminster (Mr. Nabarro) last Wednesday.