§ Mr. Ron Lewisasked the Minister of Power what was the reason for the shortage of certain grades of coal in Carlisle and Cumberland during the Easter week; and if he will give an assurance that this will not happen again, especially when the National Coal Board are stocking coal in various parts of the country.
§ Mr. Frederick LeeI understand difficulties have been caused by the rundown of merchants' stocks and the increased demand in the recent cold spell but the N.C.B. came immediately to the help of the merchants concerned. The Board's policy is designed to encourage merchants to build up stocks, particularly during the summer months.