HC Deb 27 June 1955 vol 543 cc17-8
19. Mr. G. Jeger

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware of the dismay caused in the Osgoldcross rural district by the proposal to close down the local fuel office; and whether he will accept the counter proposals of the rural district council that the office be continued for the convenience of the public and at no cost to the taxpayers.

Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd

When the time comes to consider this question, I shall take full account of the views of the council.

Mr. Jeger

Will the right hon. Gentleman also take into account the views of seven local parish councils which have been protesting against the proposal? Will he accept from me the statement that the local authorities really know what are the best local services? Will he accept the advice of some of his colleagues that the gentleman in Whitehall does not always know best?

Mr. Lloyd

We have already abolished about 700 of these local fuel offices without, I think, any substantial diminution in the value of the service to the public, but at a very considerable saving to the Exchequer. We have to deal with several thousands of parish councils, and I think we shall be able to deal with this one in a reasonable way.