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Fuel And Power

Volume 388: debated on Tuesday 13 April 1943

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Coal Allocation, South West England

63.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that weather statistics show that the South-West of England needs as much coal as the North-West; and whether, in view of this fact, he will be prepared to amend Statutory Rule and Order, No. 450, so that the South-West may have a fairer allocation of coal?

I cannot accept my hon. Friend's statement. The South Western Region as a whole is appreciably warmer than the North Western, and the humidity is the same. Moreover, the restrictions on coal supplies to controlled premises are based on a number of considerations, of which climate is only one, and I regret that I could not amend the Direction in the manner suggested.

Is it not a fact that the Western coast of Wales, owing to the influence of the Gulf Stream, is far warmer than many parts of Devonshire, and certainly drier? Should not the coal allocation, therefore, be fairly equalised?

No, Sir; the South West, to which my hon. Friend's Question refers, is considerably warmer than the North West. There are other considerations, of course, besides climate. The average consumption of coal in the North West is 80 per cent. greater than in the South West, and many other considerations have to be taken into account.

Coal Output

64.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the effect on the aggregate coal output for 1942 of the operations of the Essential Work Order; and whether he can give an estimate in tons by way of reduction or increase?

It is not possible to measure in tonnage the effect on production of the operation of the Essential Work (Coalmining Industry) Order, but I am satisfied that it has been of assistance to the production of coal by helping to maintain the numbers employed in the industry.

Pulmonary Diseases (Coalminers)

65.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power when it is proposed to publish the Report on the investigations into the environmental factors related to the problem of chronic pulmonary diseases among coalminers?