asked the Secretary for Mines whether his attention has been called to the apprehensions of the South Wales Miners' Federation as to the present inadequacy of coal reserves; what steps he is proposing to increase the same; and whether, in view of the chaos during prior winters, he will put plans into immediate operation so as to build up now adequate reserves for the winter of 1941–2?

As I have indicated on several occasions, it is the policy of His Majesty's Government during the coming months to encourage all classes of consumers and distributors once more to accumulate stocks of coal, and to supplement these reserves by stocking on Government account. As far as possible these stocks will be laid down where they are likely to be needed, so reducing the demands on transport for next winter. This policy was followed last year and greatly contributed to our success in averting any serious shortage of supplies during the past winter. It will be pressed forward this summer as the supply and transport position admits.

In view of the unhappy experience of the last two years, will the hon. Gentleman take steps to insist now that something is' done in the coming months to make the position next winter different from what it has been in the past?

My hon. and learned Friend knows that last summer much was done in every way to provide for the winter that has passed. As much as possible is to be done this summer for next winter to avoid worse consequences.

Will the hon. Gentleman see his way to set apart coal reserves which can be at the disposal of the local authorities as a kind of iron ration, which they can issue when there is real want?

I said in my reply that it is our intention to lay stocks down so that they will be available to local authorities in times of emergency.

Will my hon. Friend, in addition to making provision for public reserves, do everything in his power to impress upon the general public the need of making private reserves; and will he, as far as possible, make use of broadcasting from the B.B.C. to bring this home to all people throughout the country?

The same thing was done last summer, with very happy results. Many millions of tons of coal were put up by private people last year, and we hope they will do as well or better this summer.