§ 11. Mr. Hastingsasked the Minister of Fuel and Power the calorific value as measured in thermal units for each of the seven grades of domestic coal; and what is the average sulphur content of each and ash residue on complete combustion.
§ Mr. RentonThe National Coal Board advises me that this information is not available and in any event would not correctly indicate the value of each grade. House coals are graded by the Board, in consultation with the distributive trade, on a commercial assessment of their value in the domestic grate. This takes into account many factors such as size, rate of radiation and ease of lighting besides those factors mentioned by the hon. Member.
§ Mr. HastingsDoes not the Parliamentary Secretary realise the importance of the sulphur content of coal in relation to atmospheric pollution and that the person who buys the coal ought to have some idea about this? May I ask him how the purchaser of first-quality coal can be quite sure that he is not getting number seven quality coal?
§ Mr. RentonThe question of atmospheric pollution is being rightly dealt with under the Clean Air Bill and has no relation to the question of the grading of coal. Coal is graded in the light of consumer preference, and is a commercial matter for the National Coal Board.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsMay I ask the Parliamentary Secretary—
§ Mr. HastingsMay I have an answer to the second part of my Question, namely, how the consumer can be sure that he is not being cheated when he orders and pays for first-quality coal?
§ Mr. RentonAs I have stated already, coal is graded in accordance with consumer preference—[HON. MEMBERS: "No."] Yes, and if there should be a change in the attitude of the consumer towards the various grades of coal, an alteration in the grading would accordingly be considered.
§ Mr. GriffithsMay I ask who is responsible for grading? Is it the National Coal Board? What is the insuperable difficulty of those who carry out the grading, whoever they are, giving the calorific value?
§ Mr. RentonThe responsibility for grading rests, as I have said, upon the National Coal Board, but naturally the Board consults the distributive trade, which is in touch with the consumer.
§ Mr. GriffithsAs the consumer buys the coal in these separate grades, who 660 is responsible for that grading? Is it the distributor? That was the question I asked the Parliamentary Secretary.
§ Mr. RentonAs I say, it is the National Coal Board, in consultation with the distributive trade. That is perfectly plain.
§ Sir H. ButcherHas my hon. and learned Friend expressed surprise that this elementary information was not available from the National Coal Board?