§ 44. Mr. Manningham-Bullerasked the Minister of Fuel and Power when the hon. and learned Member for Daventry may expect a reply to his letter of 12th May with regard to complaints as to coal deliveries by inhabitants of Eydon.
§ Mr. ShinwellI much regret the delay in replying to the hon. and learned Member's letters of 12th and 27th May about coal distribution in the village of Eydon. A reply was, however, sent on 1st July. The delay was primarily due to the fact that conflicting statements were made by the merchant and certain of his customers, and it was, therefore, necessary to have a thorough local investigation made, which inevitably took some time.
§ Mr. Manningham-BullerIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that, thanks to the Post Office, the reply was delivered to this House this morning; that the reply is extremely unsatisfactory; and will he not allow the villagers living in the pleasant village of Eydon to transfer their custom to another merchant, as a great number of them dispute receiving the coal shown in the merchant's record?
§ Mr. ShinwellAs regards the change of registration, that is another matter, and I will have to look into that if representations are made. I was not aware that the hon. and learned Member had received the letter only this morning, but I do not deny that there has been some delay in this matter. I have looked into it, and it rather seems as if there has been voluminous correspondence which may have led to delay. There have been other causes, but I have done my best in the matter
Mr. Manningpham-BullerWould the right hon. Gentleman agree to these customers changing their registration? Then there would be less correspondence.
§ Mr. ShinwellI could not agree to an overall change of registration, but I would, of course, consider specific cases.