213 HOUSE COAL — What are the facts? Question : Why is there a shortage of coal? Answer : Mainly because, owing to the war, there are fewer and older men in the pits to-day than in 1939, and so production has fallen while demand by industry has greatly increased. Q. How much is my ration ? A. There is no ration. If supplies are available you may buy between 1st November and 30th April up to the following limits :— North of England, Wales and Scotland :—10 cwt. each two months, providing this does not make more than 50 cwt.