§ 26. Mr. Harrisonasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will indicate the approximate date that the consultations proceeding with the distributive trade in the coal industry will reach finality, concerning future coal distributive arrangements.
§ Mr. GaitskellDiscussions between the National Coal Board and the distributive trade are still proceeding and I regret it is not at present possible to say when they are likely to be completed.
§ Mr. HarrisonWill the Minister give the House an assurance that everything will be done to expedite these discussions, particularly in view of the substantial effect such discussions might have on the price of coal?
§ Mr. GaitskellI have asked the Chairman of the National Coal Board to do everything he can to expedite the matter.
§ Mr. GallacherWould the Minister consider taking that great ally of the Labour movement, the Co-operative movement, into very close consultation in this matter and making the most of distribution through that organisation?
§ Mr. GaitskellRepresentatives of the Co-operative movement are taking part in these discussions.