§ 74. Mr. Osborneasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is aware that coal supplies to Laceby, near Grimsby, are unsatisfactory, as indicated by the correspondence sent to him; and if he will consider permitting householders to change their suppliers when distributive businesses change hands.
§ The Minister of Fuel and Power (Mr. Shinwell)I am not aware of any special shortages in Laceby which, I am informed, has received more than its full programmed allocation since 1st November. With regard to the second part of the Question, consumers are allowed to choose a new supplier if the business of their licensed merchant is transferred to another owner.
§ Mr. OsborneWould the right hon. Gentleman look into the source of information again, because this village has had no coal at all for the first two months of it is year, as the local man has gone out of business and the other man who has taken over will not meet the needs?
§ Mr. ShinwellThe hon. Member is misinformed. The depot at Laceby has received during the 20 weeks ending 15th March, 24,962 tons of coal against an allocation of 24,800.
§ Mr. OsborneIt does not say it has been delivered.
§ Mr. ShinwellIt has been delivered to Laceby.