HC Deb 28 May 1946 vol 423 cc979-80
79. Commander Pursey

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will state the tonnage of coal represented by the officially admitted 7.7 per cent, deficiency in the supplies to the Hull Co-operative Society, of their equitable share of the domestic coal actually supplied to the city in the coal year ended 30th April, 1946; and how many premises lost a two-bag delivery because of this mal-distribution.

Mr. Shinwell

I am making inquiries and will communicate with my hon. and gallant Friend.

80. Commander Pursey

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether, in view of the fact that the duties of local fuel overseer in Hull are sufficiently onerous to require the full-time attention of a capable and impartial officer with adequate staff and of the recent maldistribution of coal in the city, he will approve the appointment of a full-time official and bear the cost upon his Department's Vote.

Mr. Shinwell

The selection of the local fuel overseer and his staff is, under the Coal Distribution Order, the responsibility of the local authority for the area concerned, but reasonable expenditure on the fuel administration is refunded through my Department. I am prepared to consider any proposals which the local authority may make.

81. Commander Pursey

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether, in view of the Hull Fuel Committee's Report of 25th April, 1946, of which a copy has been sent to him, that, while small house holders, with no alternative means of heating were without fuel and suffered an undue and disproportionate amount of hardship, large householders, with alternative means of heating, were able to obtain the maximum amount of eight 10 stone bags, he will take steps to ensure that the district house coal officer so distributes the available coal among the merchants that the small householders receive their equitable share.

Mr. Shinwell

The report referred to appears to be an expression of views largely at variance with the position disclosed by the investigation made by my regional controller. I do not accept the aspersion implied in the latter part of the Question on the district house coal officer, who recently received, as my hon. and gallant Friend is aware, a unanimous vote of confidence from merchants and coal dealers in the Hull district.