§ 36. Mr. Shepherdasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is aware of the widespread over-delivering of coal by coalmen to certain consumers; how many prosecutions have taken place in the last three months; and what additional steps are being taken in this matter.
§ Mr. P. Noel-BakerNo, Sir, I have no evidence that there has been widespread over-delivery of coal to certain consumers during recent months. During the December quarter of 1950 there were 18 prosecutions under the Coal Distribution Order of 1943; they covered 45 charges of over-delivery, of the failure to record deliveries, or of deliveries to persons who were not registered consumers.
§ Mr. ShepherdIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in many parts of London people are getting regular over-deliveries, simply by paying the coalman a certain amount of money? Is it not a fact that one North London coal merchant has lost £4,000 worth of stock in this manner?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerThat is a very serious charge to make. I hope that the hon. Member will bring the evidence to me. I should be very reluctant to accept this charge against the coal industry without the evidence.
§ Mr. ShepherdDoes the right hon. Gentleman regard the loss of £4,000 worth of coal by one merchant in London as proving that this sort of thing does not exist?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerI should like to see the facts in writing before commenting upon them. The hon. Member made a charge against the miners in a debate a little while ago, but he had no evidence to support it.