§ 25. Mr. Sorensenasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is aware of complaints by retail coal merchants that trucks are arriving seriously short of the declared amount carried; that this is adding to the difficulties, both of retailers and domestic consumers; and what action will be taken to avoid this in the immediate future.
§ Mr. ShinwellYes, Sir, but short weight may be due to one or more of a variety of causes, and I can hold out no hope of an early or comprehensive solution of this long standing and difficult problem. As far as colliery weights are concerned, however, I am informed by the National Coal Board that they already have the matter under consideration.
§ Mr. SorensenIs my right hon. Friend aware that it is alleged in some parts that this abuse is increasing? In view of that, could not something specially be done, at least, to get back to the normal rules of supply?
§ Mr. ShinwellIt would require the removal of a great many defects—in the loading of coal at collieries and in the tare of wagons; and we should require to ensure that the coal was not pilfered in transit.