HC Deb 13 March 1947 vol 434 cc1464-5
8. Mr. Martin Lindsay

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power when he hopes to be in a position to allow householders to change their coal retailers.

Mr. Shinwell

I regret that I can see no immediate prospect of granting the relaxation suggested.

Mr. Lindsay

While I appreciate the necessity for the regulation as it exists at present, does not the Minister think it possible to administer it with less rigidity in order to allow those householders who are dissatisfied to change to other retailers when these deliver very close to their homes?

Mr. Shinwell

I am very anxious to meet the views of household coal consumers, but the suggestion which the hon. Member makes would create more dislocation than exists at present.

Mr. Walker

Can the Minister do anything to prevent half a dozen coal distributors delivering in the same street?

Mr. Shinwell

So far, we do not regulate coal retailers in that sense. One of these days we may have to.