§ 17. Mr. Keelingasked the President of the Board of Trade what are the functions of the Regional Fuel and Power Controllers; and by what authority they are issuing questionnaires?
§ Sir A. DuncanI appointed Regional Fuel and Power Controllers for the purpose for ensuring adequate co-ordination in matters concerning the supply of the different kinds of fuel and power and in emergency conditions to take charge under the Regional Commissioner. The Controllers are therefore acting on my authority.
§ Mr. KeelingIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the heavy burden which these questionnaires impose on the mining industry, and will he consider, in consultation with the industry, whether they could not be reduced?
§ Sir A. DuncanUnfortunately, it is quite impossible to get information without asking questions. The number of returns to be made by the mining industry in different connections is already the subject of investigation and consideration by a committee appointed by the Coal Production Council.
§ Mr. KeelingThank you.
§ Mr. G. MacdonaldWill the right hon. Gentleman keep in mind, in making these appointments, that the fact that they all come from one side of the industry does create some uneasiness in the minds of the workers, and will he not consider appointing someone from the workers' side of the industry?
§ Sir A. DuncanSo far as I understand it, it is universally agreed that the persons appointed to these particular offices are specially well qualified for their appointment.