HC Deb 31 March 1949 vol 463 cc1419-20
8. Mr Chetwynd

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what is the machinery for replacing inferior supplies of coal with satisfactory coal in the case of the consumer and merchant respectively.

Mr. Gaitskell

I have repeatedly emphasised that, owing to the shortage of cleaning plant and the urgent need to export good quality coal, it is inevitable at present that some of the lower grade coals should be allocated to the domestic market. There can therefore be no question of consumers or merchants having any general right to replacement of deliveries. In certain circumstances, however, replacement may be justifiable and practicable. A procedure for dealing with complaints was agreed between the Chamber of Coal Traders, the Co-operative Union and the National Coal Board last summer, and all merchants were informed of the arrangements. Merchants are asked to deal sympathetically with legitimate complaints from consumers, and should themselves make representations in the first place to the marketing manager for the area supplying the coal. Failing satisfaction, they can then appeal to the divisional marketing director and ultimately, through their trade associations, to the Board's headquarters.

Mr. Chetwynd

Is my right hon. Friend aware that it takes a very long time to go through this machinery and that months elapse between the consumer rejecting fuel and the supplier getting replacements?

Mr. Gaitskell

I have recently discussed this matter again with the merchants and the Coal Board. I invited them to review it, but they seemed to be perfectly satisfied with the arrangements.

Squadron-Leader Fleming

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some of the merchants have been receiving supplies of inferior coal for the last two years and have not yet been able to change their suppliers? Would he tell us what steps will be taken to enable those who want to change their source of supply to do it quickly?

Mr. Gaitskell

Arrangements will be made for merchants to change their source of supply, I think from 1st May.

Mrs. Jean Mann

Can my right hon. Friend say why this inferior coal should have such a superior price; and should not the consumer who has a low grade quality pay a low grade price?

Mr. Gaitskell

Broadly speaking, the price of coal is in accordance with its quality, but I think it is likely that in the course of the year further price adjustments will be made by the National Coal Board.