HC Deb 30 September 1941 vol 374 cc447-8
35. Commander Bower

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that in some cases a local fuel overseer, with office and staff, deals with a weekly tonnage of only 150 to 200 tons of fuel, this being the equivalent in cost to 2s. 6d. to 3s. per ton; and whether he will take steps to effect economies in this direction?

The Minister of Mines (Mr. David Grenfell)

Under the Fuel and Lighting Orders, each county borough or county district authority (in Scotland each county and town council) is required to appoint a local fuel overseer, and in sparsely-populated parts of the country, while it is essential for the convenience of the public to maintain this uniform arrangement, the officer may only be concerned with a very limited tonnage of fuel. Claims of local authorities for the repayment of expenses incurred in the administration of the Orders are examined by my Department, and only such amount as is considered reasonable, having regard to the amount of work involved, is refunded.

Commander Bower

Would it not be possible in some cases to amalgamate offices which are dealing with only very small amounts?

Mr. Grenfell

The hon. and gallant Member will realise that in sparsely-populated areas the area of administration is extensive. In such areas no full-time officer is appointed. The officer who is appointed does the work on a part-time basis and for very small remuneration.