HC Deb 07 May 1951 vol 487 cc1577-9
34. Miss Irene Ward

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what representations he has received from the Domestic Coal Consumers' Council on the quantity and quality of coal supplied to consumers; and what reply has been sent.

Mr. P. Noel-Baker

In March the Domestic Coal Consumers' Council told me that, in their view, there had not been enough house coal this winter to enable all domestic users to keep their homes reasonably warm. They urged on me that, in future, sufficient coal should be provides to allow domestic users to get the coal they want, up to the permitted quantities, together with extra coal authorised for special needs.

I discussed the matter with the Council on 2nd May; I told them of the extra provision of solid fuel made in 1950; of the further provision made for this summer; and of the greatly increased domestic use of electricity and gas. On the question of the quality of house coal, I would refer the hon. Lady to my reply to her Question on 19th March, to which I have nothing to add.

Miss Ward

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Domestic Coal Consumers' Council also gave that answer to the Housewives' League? I have the letter here. In view of the Council's answer, how can the right hon. Gentleman say that last year the scheme worked satisfactorily?

Mr. Noel-Baker

I have always said that we need more coal for the house coal market. This year we have increased output and cut exports very heavily in order to provide it.

Mr. Harrison

Irrespective of the other demands on the coal supplies, will my right hon. Friend accept the responsibility of providing more domestic coal so as to avoid the hardship which took place last winter? Could we have a categorical answer?

Mr. Noel-Baker

I have already said three times this afternoon, that I am trying to do that.

Miss Ward

In view of the very terse communication from the right hon. Gentleman to the National Coal Board, will he publish the Coal Board's answer to that communication in HANSARD.

Mr. Noel-Baker

I do not understand to which communication the hon. Lady refers.

Miss Ward

In reply to one of my hon. Friends the right hon. Gentleman said he had communicated with the National Coal Board in very strong terms on the need for greater coal production. I want to know whether the Coal Board have replied to his communication.

Mr. Noel-Baker

In the answer to which the hon. Lady refers I was talking about the comparative efficiency of the use of coal in the form of electricity and the use of coal in the form of gas.