§ 53. Mr. Lubbockasked the Minister of Power what is the latest estimate of stocks for domestic and industrial use in the London and the South-East area, giving the tonnages in distributed stocks of anthracite stove nuts, anthracite 72W stovesse, anthracite pea nuts, Phurnacite, multiheat and Welsh dry steam nuts, respectively; what is the estimated monthly consumption of each; and what he is doing, following his consultations with the National Coal Board and the merchants, to remedy the anticipated shortages.
§ Mr. FreesonMerchants' stocks of anthracite and other boiler fuels in London and the South-East totalled at 23rd November 172,000 tons, about 7 per cent. higher than at the corresponding time last year, and equivalent to about six weeks' consumption in winter.
Although in early autumn there was concern over the supply of smokeless fuels, especially in London and the South-East, the situation has improved in the last few weeks. Alternatives should be available, if there are shortages of particular fuels. The National Coal Board plan to increase their output of boiler fuels by about 20 per cent. this winter.