§ 72. Dame Irene Wardasked the Minister of Power whether there are adequate stocks of coal to meet demands for coal at summer prices; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PeytonThough total stocks are good heavy demand has caused some local shortages of the best quality house coals. People who cannot obtain these might well consider accepting the cheaper coals which are plentiful and good value.
§ Mr. F. Noel-Bakerasked the Minister of Power if he will give a general direction to the National Coal Board to ensure 381W that coal is available for sale to householders at summer prices and that these prices will remain in force until outstanding orders have been filled.
§ Mr. PeytonNo. There are local shortages of the higher qualities of house coal but the National Coal Board has good supplies of other qualities. Although the Board's lowest summer prices end on 31st July, there will still be a reduction in the Board's prices of 12s. 6d. per ton, compared with last winter, until the end of November.