§ 64. Mr. Higgsasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that thousands of tons of coke are lying at the gas works and ovens in Birmingham and the Midlands, and that merchants will not distribute it because the maximum price for delivery is fixed at l0s. a ton by the local fuel overseer; and will he give instructions to increase the maximum price so that this bulky fuel can be distributed without a loss, thereby reducing the demand for coal?
Major Lloyd GeorgeStocks of coke at the gas works and coke-ovens in Birmingham, the Midlands and the North Midlands are somewhat higher than is customary, and, as my hon. Friend is no doubt aware, I am pressing consumers of house coal to take a proportion of their requirements for consumption, and for winter stocking, in alternative fuels, such as coke, which are relatively plentiful at the moment. An increase in the maximum price of coke to the domestic consumer would not, of course, in itself, help in this direction, and I am more concerned to secure a reduction in the price, though I recognise that, in certain circumstances, and especially where the margins obtained by merchants on coke 1938 distribution are less than l0s. a ton, some increase in margins is likely to be necessary. I have issued instructions for the matter to be settled as quickly as possible.
§ Mr. HiggsIs the Minister aware that the price of haulage for coke by Birmingham Corporation is l0s. a ton? How can coke merchants be expected to haul it at the same price and carry their overheads?
§ Commander Locker-LampsonWill the Minister do all he can to help Birmingham?
§ Sir R. YoungIs the Minister aware that: coke is selling in London at a clearer price even than coal?