§ 13. Lieut.-Colonel Bromley-Davenportasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is aware of the confusion that still exists as to the rôle of fuel overseers in regard to the supply of low-grade coal for domestic allocations; and if he will define the circumstances in which he has instructed the fuel overseers to remind merchants of their duty in this matter.
§ The Minister of Fuel and Power (Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd)I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Ilford, North (Mr. Iremonger) on 15th November. I have no reason to think that local fuel overseers are in any doubt about their responsibilities.
§ Lieut.-Colonel Bromley-DavenportCan my right hon. Friend give an assurance that all complaints about bad coal, whether from large or small consumers, are thoroughly investigated and that if slate and other unburnable material is returned it is replaced by proper coal? If not, is not that an awful swindle on the wretched housewife who has paid for solid fuel?
§ Mr. LloydThere are arrangements, which have been made between the National Coal Board and the merchants, for doing that very thing.
§ Mrs. MannWill the right hon. Gentleman say what positive steps are being taken by local fuel overseers to protect the customers and the housewives from paying for Grade 3 coal when in fact Grade 5 is going into their cellars?