asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will take immediate steps to ensure adequate supplies of smokeless fuel to coal merchants in the area of Hastings and Rye as many householders have, as sole means of cooking, the type of stove which functions properly only on this kind of fuel.

I am making inquiries and will write to the hon. Member as soon as I can.

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that during the Festival of Britain steam tugs in the Thames are to be sup plied with smokeless fuel; and whether he will ensure adequate supplies to domestic consumers before granting this allocation.

Yes, but the large Welsh coal which will be supplied for the tugs would not be acceptable to domestic consumers generally. Supplies for domestic purposes, therefore, should not be prejudiced by this special arrangement.