HC Deb 29 April 1948 vol 450 c595
36. Mr. Perrins

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will now allow a separate allowance of coal to subtenants.

Mr. Gaitskell

Yes, Sir. As from 1st May separate registration will be permissible for all sub-tenant families consisting of two or more persons. Appropriate instructions are being issued to local fuel overseers.

Mr. Perrins

Is my right hon. Friend aware that his very satisfactory answer will be warmly received by those who will benefit from it, and that it will remove a serious cause of friction between main and sub-tenants? Will he undertake to convey their thanks to the miners for the efforts they have made to make this allowance possible?

Mr. David Renton

Is the Minister aware that many hon. Members of this House have been pressing for this change for the last two and a half years? Could he explain the delay in coming to this obviously necessary conclusion?

Mr. Gaitskell

We could not afford the coal before.

Mr. Charles Williams

Is the Minister aware that with efficiency this could have been done at least a year ago?

Mr. Gaitskell

I cannot agree.

Mr. Ronald Chamberlain

Why is it that a single person who is a sub-tenant is not able to get this concession?

Mr. Gaitskell

We have to consider the needs of the export market, and, therefore, I cannot give unlimited quantities of coal to the home market. I do not think that hardship exists in the case of single sub-tenants. It is always possible for licences to be granted to enable them to obtain additional coal.