HC Deb 19 November 1951 vol 494 cc20-2
41. Mr. Robson Brown

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will consider the possibility of a small but special priority allocation of coal for old age pensioners for Christmas and the rest of the winter.

Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd

Local fuel overseers are instructed to see that additional supplies of coal are granted to old people who have real need of them, and where necessary to see that priority is given to the delivery of such supplies.

Mr. Robson Brown

While thanking my right hon. Friend for that reply, which I am sure meets with the approval of the whole House, may I ask if he will publicise the information so that old age pensioners all over the country shall be informed of the arrangement?

Mr. Lloyd

Yes, Sir. We are taking special steps to bring it to the attention of voluntary bodies who look after the interests of old people.

44. Miss Burton

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will make arrangements for all old age pensioners to have fuel supplies at a reduced price during the coming winter.

Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd

There is no practicable way in which my Department could arrange for fuel to be supplied at reduced prices to particular classes of consumers.

Miss Burton

On a point of information, I thought that this Question was not one for the Minister of Fuel and Power; but it was transferred to him. Am I to understand from the Minister's answer that such a proposition is not within the bounds of possibility administratively so far as he is concerned, or that he cannot do it?

Mr. Lloyd

It is the fact that the National Coal Board are debarred from favouring particular classes of consumer.

Miss Burton

On a point of information, Mr. Speaker, may I ask for guidance whether this Question should not have been addressed to the Minister of National Insurance, as the Minister of Fuel and Power has no powers to deal with it?

Mr. Speaker

Ministers are always entitled to answer for one another, and it is the practice to direct Questions to the appropriate Departments, no matter to whom they are put down.

Miss Burton

I understand that Mr. Speaker, but the Minister has just said that he could not answer the Question, and I am seeking your guidance as to whether it was not transferred inadvertently to the wrong Minister.

Mr. Speaker

No, I think not. I think it was transferred correctly, but the Minister has answered that he is barred by statute from doing what the Question requests.