HC Deb 15 December 1942 vol 385 cc1765-6
63. Mr. McEntee

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that in the areas of Walthamstow, Woodford, Wanstead, Chingford, Chigwell and Loughton local authorities who desire to secure wood fuel for emergency use have to pay 70s. per ton for it; that at Colchester the price is 38s. 6d., and in some other areas 15s. to 20s., in all cases delivered to store; and will he see that in the sale of this wood fuel to the public a more equitable price level is adopted?

Major Lloyd George

The costs of these schemes for the storage of wood fuel vary very considerably. In the cases mentioned the difference in cost is accounted for by the fact that wood from Epping Forest has to be hauled and carted a considerable distance, whilst at Colchester the haulage and transport are relatively short.

Mr. McEntee

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman see that a more equitable price level is adopted?

Major Lloyd George

Unfortunately, in the particular case that the hon. Member mentions most of the wood comes from Epping Forest, where the haulage charge is a bigger proportion of the total cost. It is difficult to equalise charges as between district and district.

Mr. McEntee

Surely the right hon. and gallant Gentleman will agree that it is unfair to charge £3 10s. in Epping Forest while wood can be obtained for 15s. in the North? Is it not largely a matter of book-keeping to sell to the public at a reasonably equitable price?

Major Lloyd George

I am prepared to do what I can but as transport charges in certain districts are very much greater than in others, that is reflected in the cost of the commodity. I am considering whether it would be possible to fix more equitable prices, but it is impossible to get them completely equitable.