HC Deb 28 July 1942 vol 382 cc318-9
62. Mrs. Tate

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether it is proposed that small coal retailers may be restricted to a certain radius for deliveries; and whether similar restrictions are to be placed on co-operative societies?

Major Lloyd George

In cases where merchants are still delivering coal in any manner which results in wastage of petrol, vehicles or man-power, steps can be and are being taken compulsorily to transfer the registrations concerned to merchants who are in a better position to effect delivery to the consumer, though not necessarily by fixing an arbitrary radius, beyond which deliveries may not be made. These principles apply equally to large as well as to small coal merchants, and to co-operative societies.

Mr. Mathers

If the right hon. and gallant Gentleman takes away the supply of coal from the co-operative societies, will he see that those to whom the supplying is given over will pay a dividend to the customer?