increased difficulty of coastal shipping and of obtaining supplies from the Midlands. If prices were allowed to rise to cover the increased cost some diminution of consumption would probably take place and the pressure on our resources would be correspondingly decreased. If prices, however, are prevented from rising, or if the relative level of prices of coal in different areas is not allowed to change, the consumer will have no incentive to modify his demand. Therefore if our resources are not to be used wastefully the cut in consumption must be imposed by administrative action.