§ 7. Mr. HOPKINSasked the President of the Board of Trade the total number of local fuel officers appointed to administer the Household Fuel and Light- 590 ing Order; what is the amount of the salaries of these officers; and what is the total cost per annum of the administration of the Household Fuel and Lighting Order?
§ Sir A. GEDDESThe total number of local fuel overseers appointed under the Household Fuel and Lighting Order, 1919, is 1,905. I am unable to state the amount of their salaries, as these officers and their clerks are appointed by the local authorities, who pay them and recover part of the cost from the Treasury. The estimated contribution from the Treasury for this year is £400,000, but no claims have yet been received from the local authorities. The total cost to the Treasury of the administration of the Order for this year, i.e. to 31st December, 1919, is estimated to be £449,200, which includes the £400,000 previously mentioned. In respect of next year there will be a very considerable reduction in expenditure.
§ Mr. HOPKINSWould it not be in the interest of economy to abolish these Fuel Controllers?
§ Sir A. GEDDESThat is a matter with which we are dealing at the present moment.
§ Mr. WATERSONAre there many of these local fuel officers who hold dual appointments; if so, will the right hon. Gentleman make the necessary inquiries and—
§ Mr. SPEAKERPerhaps the hon. Gentleman will give notice of that question.