3. Lieut.-Colonel Sir F. HALLasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the coal that is being delivered in London still contains large quantities of slate and slack for which consumers are charged the same price as coal; whether any warning has been given to the distributors that proceedings will be taken against them in consequence; and, if not, on what grounds do the Government permit such trading on the part of the suppliers?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Bridge-man)My hon. and gallant Friend is, no doubt, aware that arrangements came into force on 7th June for the departmental de-control and decentralisation of the inland distribution of coal. The retail distribution is now in the hands of the trade itself, and consumers having complaints to make regarding the quality of the coal supplied to them should take such steps as they would have adopted prior to the commencement of the control of coal.
Sir F. HALLAre the public to understand that their pockets may be picked by these coal distribution, or is the Government going to take steps to see that the goods for which they pay are delivered?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThey are in the same position now as they were in before the control was instituted.
§ Mr. SPEAKERMr. Inskip.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member should adopt a proper tone.
Sir F. HALLOn a point of Order. Does the Government not recognise the importance of this matter? Are they going to leave it just as it is, so that people will get all this slack and stuff in their coal?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is not a point of Order. That is an argument.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is a further argument.