HC Deb 07 May 1951 vol 487 cc1567-8
19. Sir Ian Fraser

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what are the conditions as regards age, health or other circumstances which are taken into consideration by local fuel officers in determining whether an extra ration of coal should be granted.

The Minister of Fuel and Power (Mr. Philip Noel-Baker)

I would refer the hon. Member to a speech made by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour on 19th February, when he gave a general account of the system which the local fuel overseers apply.

Sir I. Fraser

But that Minister is no longer there, is he? Would the right hon. Gentleman make sure that the parties concerned know what these rules are so that they may be equally interpreted with the same sympathy in different parts of the country? Will he publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT what the rules really are?

Mr. Noel-Baker

The rules have been built up by administrative practice over a long period and I think they are administered fairly in all parts of the country.

30. Mr. John Rodgers

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will take steps to see coal is available to merchants in the Sevenoaks area so that they can honour medical priority certificates.

Mr. P. Noel-Baker

As I have said in answer to earlier Questions, priority needs are given a first claim on house coal supplies. The current supplies to Sevenoaks, as to other areas, are being well maintained, and I am advised by the local fuel overseers in the Sevenoaks area that they know of no case in which a priority need has not been met. If, however, the hon. Member will let me have particulars of any case of hardship which he has in mind, I will cause inquiries to be made.

Mr. Rodgers

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I shall be very happy to furnish him with a case of a husband and wife, both suffering from serious lung trouble, who have had no coal for a fortnight? Does he not think that local fuel overseers, before issuing a licence against a certificate, should find out whether coal is available?

Mr. Noel-Baker

If the overseer issues a permit and the coal is not supplied by the merchant, then the overseer will give immediate instructions that it should be supplied by another merchant. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will so advise his constituents.

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