§ 6. Mr. Storeyasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if, in order to enable coal merchants to build up their stocks in the national interest during the summer months, he will give a general direction to the National Coal Board, under Section 3 of the Coal Industry Nationalisation Act, 1946, to extend their limit of 14 days' credit to coal merchants.
§ Mr. Geoffrey LloydNo, Sir.
§ Mr. StoreyIs my right hon. Friend aware that the demands of their clients for credit and the limitation of the Coal Board in giving credit is having a very bad effect on the storing of coal by coal merchants for next winter? Will he not reconsider his decision?
§ Mr. LloydThis is a matter primarily for the Coal Board, but their credit is often extended for a good deal longer than 14 days. It goes up, in some cases, to six weeks.
§ Mr. StoreyIs my right hon. Friend aware that in my constituency people are not getting that extended credit and 1784 that this is holding up the storage of coal?
§ Mr. LloydIt would depend on the circumstances, but if my hon. Friend sends me details of the conditions to which he refers I shall examine them.