(by Private Notice) asked the Minister of Supply what steps he is taking to avert a protracted shut down of the Austin motor works.

As my hon. Friend is aware, available supplies of fuel are being distributed on the basis of a general allocation system to industrial concerns. I regret that it is not possible to give a preferential allocation to the Austin Motor Company.

Perhaps I should put this question to the President of the Board of Trade. If I can show the Minister later on today that the whole basis of the allocation of coal for Messrs. Austin under the Cripps plan is unworkable, will he consider revising the allocation?

Mr. Wilmnot:

Certainly.

Is it not a fact that the position of many companies, whose production is vital both for home consumption and export, has been worsened under the Board of Trade scheme, and as that is inevitable when the right hon. Gentleman applies a rule of thumb system, would it not be better to revert to the scheme under the Ministry of Fuel and Power where the regional controller was responsible?

I do not think there has been sufficient experience of the working of the scheme.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that a large number of factories in Lancashire are being very hard hit by the coal shortage, and that any discrimination in favour of a powerful firm would be greatly resented there?

That is a very relevant consideration.

How can the right hon. Gentleman reconcile this state of affairs with the statement last October of the Minister of Fuel and Power that everybody knew that there was going to be a crisis except the Minister of Fuel and Power, and when he added, "I want to tell you there is not going to be a crisis in coal"?

As the right hon. Gentleman is no doubt aware, there is a coal shortage, but it is hoped to avert a crisis by the steps which have been taken.

Can the Minister account for the abnormal publicity which has been given to the Austin case?

No, Sir.

Can the right hon. Gentleman explain why he, and not either of the right hon. Gentlemen who are his colleagues, has been put up to answer this Question?

It happens that the Ministry of Supply carries the departmental responsibility for the motor industry.

In view of the question asked by the hon. Member for Nelson and Colne (Mr. S. Silverman), is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it has never been suggested at any time that particular discrimination should take place in favour of the Austin motor works?

Does the right hon. Gentleman make any complaint of the publicity in this matter? Would he prefer that great industries should be closed down without the public knowing about it?

No, Sir.

Several hon. Members:

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I think we had better get on to the next Business.