§ 26. Mr. Braineasked the Minister of Fuel and Power why supplies of coal at the summer concession price are not available for domestic consumers at Pitsea; and whether to meet this difficulty he will extend the period during which that price applies.
§ Mr. P. Noel-BakerOwing to the difficulties of winter delivery, many householders in Pitsea have been given a licence to buy their full year's supply during the summer months. This has created an exceptionally high summer demand, and there has been some shortage of supply; the shortage has been made worse by the refusal of the Pitsea merchants to accept certain coals which had been offered to them. But all orders for coal which are placed before 15th July will be accepted at summer prices, even if deliveries cannot be made till later on. The National Coal Board, the Coal Merchants' Federation, and the Co-operative Union, who proposed the summer prices scheme, have all pledged themselves to this arrangement. If, therefore, domestic consumers at Pitsea place their orders now, they will secure the full advantage of the summer price.
§ Mr. BraineAm I to understand from that reply that if people place their orders between now and 15th July, they will get the advantage of the concession? Will the Minister not extend the period so that they can take note of the reply he has given?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerThere is still the whole of this week. If any order is placed this week, they will get the full 10s. advantage. After that, from 15th July to 31st August, they get the 7s. 6d. advantage as against the winter prices.