asked the Paymaster-General (1) if he is aware that some coal merchants in Barry have been unable to obtain house-coal from their factors during the first three weeks of this year; and if he will take steps to assist them in obtaining supplies;

(2) what steps he is taking to meet the shortage of house-coal in Barry and East Glamorgan; and if he will make a statement.

asked the Paymaster-General what are the reasons for an eight-weeks' delay in the supply of anthracite to the Wrekin area.

The responsibility for the distribution of house coal now rests with the National Coal Board, which will write to my hon. Friends as soon as possible.

Will my hon. Friend bring to the attention of the National Coal Board the fact that since these Questions were put down not only have I had a number of complaints from merchants factors, and co-operative societies in Barry and Cardiff about the quantity and, in some cases, about the quality of the coal, but I have also received complaints from a hospital that a lot of the coal it received was unusable?

That may or may not be so, but it is a matter to which my hon. Friend should draw the attention of the Coal Board.

In view of that reply, Mr. Speaker, does it now mean that Questions in respect of these particular matters will no longer be accepted at the Table?

That is rather a matter for me, and I shall have to consider exactly the import of the Answer that has been given.

I am sure that you will see the importance of this, Sir. We have, so far, always been able to raise in the House matters about the allocation of coal to the domestic consumer, and hon. Members get many complaints about this through the post. The Parliamentary Secretary's Answer would seem to mean that this is now a question for the National Coal Board. It would, therefore, be useful to us to know where we stand; whether in future the Table is to accept these Questions or whether we are to be directed to ask our questions of the Coal Board.

While you are considering that, Mr. Speaker, will you also bear in mind the change that has taken place since the abolition of rationing.

I realise the importance of the Question that has been asked. It is because of the importance of the matter that I want a little time to consider the position.