HC Deb 15 July 1918 vol 108 cc702-3
51. Mr. HARRIS

asked the Prime Minister whether a copy of the new Coal and Light Order will be laid upon the Table of the House; whether an opportunity will be given to discuss the same; and whether he is aware of the feeling that the complexity of its provisions may involve law-abiding citizens unwittingly in infringement of the Orders with consequent heavy penalties?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I have no objection to the Household Fuel and Lighting Order being laid on the Table of the House. The Clauses which refer to consumers are limited in number, and a pamphlet embodying them only is being issued to the public. The local fuel overseers will render every assistance to the public in carrying out the Order, and will explain any provision which at first sight may appear to be complex. I am not prepared to give special facilities for this discussion.

Mr. HARRIS

Will the Regulations be drastically enforced and penalties imposed in any case of infringement?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I have no doubt that that is the intention, but that question should be addressed to my right hon. Friend.

Mr. RUNCIMAN

Before the right hon. Gentleman finally decides not to give an opportunity for discussing this Order, would he take into consideration the widespread interest that is taken in it, and the prospect that is held out to very large numbers of householders to go cold in the coming winter?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I really do not think it is possible to find time for every subject which arises in this way. But my right hon. Friend knows that if there is a general desire on the part of the House to discuss this or any other question I shall try to give facilities, but I hope it will not be necessary.

Major BOWDEN

Will the right hon. Gentleman let the consumers and small householders know where they will find these local fuel overseers? I am spending all my time making calculations for the householders.

Mr. BONAR LAW

Really, a question of that kind must be addressed to my right hon. Friend.

Mr. WHYTE

Would it not save the time of the President of the Board of Trade, if the matter cannot be discussed here, to meet the Members upstairs?