asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is aware that many people, especially among the elderly, in Great Yarmouth and district have already used up their entitlement of coal for the winter period owing to the abnormally severe weather of the last few months in this exposed part of the East Coast; and if he will grant an additional allowance to them.

The abnormal weather of the past few months has affected the whole country, but I regret that the coal situation does not permit any general increase in the maximum permitted quantities. If there are elderly or other persons who are suffering hardship from lack of coal, application should be made to the local fuel overseer who is empowered to authorise extra coal to meet special needs.