HC Deb 25 July 1949 vol 467 c1818
54. Mr. Collins

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is aware that no allocations of anthracite fuel for the year 1949–50 have been made to independent residential schools in the Taunton area, whilst allocations to schools under the county education authority have been reduced by only 33⅓ per cent.; and if he will explain the reason for this discrimination.

Mr. Gaitskell

Allocations to schools under the county education authority are made by the Somerset County Council from a global allocation covering all their requirements. Allocations to the independent residential schools are, of course, made direct. Owing to the scarcity of anthracite, it was originally proposed to substitute coke entirely in the allocations made to the council and the independent schools. But following representations, arrangements have been made for half the requirements of both the council and the independent schools to be met in anthracite. There has therefore been no discrimination between the council and the independent schools. The council, however, are free to distribute the anthracite they have available as they choose between their schools and the other users under their authority.

Mr. Collins

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this readjustment will be welcomed, and that the original position was exactly as stated in the Question at the time it was tabled?

Mr. Gaitskell

I am glad to have had an opportunity of clearing up the matter.

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