§ 11. Mr. W. Shepherdasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will give an estimate of the percentage of slate and other non combustible material, included in the figures of output of saleable coal being published by his Department, now being received by householders.
§ Mr. ShinwellI would refer to my reply to a similar Question by the hon. and gallant Member for Stockport (Wing-Commander Hulbert) on 26th February.
§ Mr. ShepherdMay I ask the Minister whether since that reply there has been any increase or decrease in the amount of slate contained in the coal, and does he think that people should pay high prices for this non combustible material?
§ Mr. ShinwellI have no reason to believe that there is any increase in non combustible material, but it is very difficult to deal with this matter. Conditions vary and we cannot provide facilities for extensive cleaning, but I can inform the hon. Member that my regional directors are giving full attention to this matter.