§ 42. Major Petherickasked the Minister of Fuel and Power why he intends to implement the proposal that fuel overseers should withhold from householders 315 a proportion of coupons in respect of the use of gas and electricity, in view of the fact that such a proposal, if enforced, would remove the right implicit under the Annex Plan of householders to spread their coupons in such proportions as they may think fit over coal, gas, electricity, etc., within the total ration?
Major Lloyd GeorgeA proposal on the lines of that described by my hon. Friend is favoured by the gas and electricity industries, but provision would be made to allow householders to vary their consumption of different fuels. I have no present intentions in the matter. Any question of varying the plan in the Annex to the White Paper on Coal would hot arise unless there were a decision to impose rationing, and, as my right hon. Friend the Lord President of the Council explained to the House on 10th June last, the Government will not bring any fuel rationing scheme into operation without prior intimation to the House and opportunity for debate if that should be desired.
§ 68. Sir H. Williamsasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether, in connection with the proposed Annex Fuel Rationing Plan, coupons and points have yet been printed?
Major Lloyd GeorgeNo, Sir, apart from the personal fuel coupons which form part of the 1942–43 Clothing Book, already in the hands of the public.