51. Mr. HARRISasked 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 LAWI 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. HARRISWill the Regulations be drastically enforced and penalties imposed in any case of infringement?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI have no doubt that that is the intention, but that question should be addressed to my right hon. Friend.
Mr. RUNCIMANBefore 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 LAWI 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 BOWDENWill 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 LAWReally, a question of that kind must be addressed to my right hon. Friend.
§ Mr. WHYTEWould 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?