§ 18. Mr. Edward Wakefieldasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will, in the interest of public economy, review the costly system of maintaining local fuel overseers.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerAs I have said in answer to other Questions today, there is unfortunately a shortage of the coal required for household use. Local fuel overseers ensure that each individual consumer receives a fair share of the available supplies, and I regard this as an essential service to the community at large. I am glad to tell the hon. Member, however, that in the last few months substantial savings in the cost of the service have been made, and to assure him that I will keep the matter under constant review.
§ Mr. WakefieldIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that what worries consumers most now is not so much the amount of coal they get but its quality, and is he further aware that within the limit of a given allotment it is the coal merchants and not the local overseers who decide who shall get how much of the
§ Mr. Noel-BakerYes, Sir. If the hon. Member heard an earlier answer, he would know that I am aware of this point.
§ Mr. HayIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a number of these local fuel overseers have been resigning from highly paid jobs because they say that they have no work to do? Is that not another reason for abolishing the whole of this coal rationing system?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerThat is not my information.
§ Sir Wavell WakefieldWhat is the cost of maintaining these overseers?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerPerhaps the hon. Member will put that Question down.