HC Deb 02 June 1949 vol 465 cc2309-10
57. Mr. Tom Brown

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will now make an announcement about future arrangements for allocation of fuel for glasshouses.

Mr. T. Williams

After consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Fuel and Power it has been decided that the following modified arrangements shall be made for the allocation of fuel for commercial glasshouses for the 1949–50 season.

1. Growers who need large coal (including anthracite) will be required as before to use at least a proportion of their heated glasshouse space for food crops. The proportion, however, will be reduced to one-half for those who grew flowers before the war and to two-thirds for other growers.

2. No such requirement will apply to growers who use coke or other fuels.

Mr. Brown

While thanking the Minister for his reply, which will bring a degree of contentment to the people in this industry, may I ask him if he and his Department will keep a watchful eye on this matter, and when an opportune time comes lift the ban completely?

Mr. Williams

Certainly.