§ 27. Mr. Callaghanasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will amend the terms of reference of the Committee of Inquiry into the Costs of Coal Distribution, so as to give the Committee power to investigate and make recommendations about the present methods of coal distribution.
§ Mr. Aubrey JonesNo, Sir. The terms of reference are already wide, and I have no doubt that the Committee will consider methods of distribution in so far as these are relevant to an investigation of costs.
§ Mr. CallaghanIs the, Minister aware that the terms of reference as drawn so far are concerned with costings and prices? How can he say that that includes methods? Will he write a letter to the Committee telling it that it can review methods of distribution if it wishes to do so?
§ Mr. JonesI should not have acquired the Committee which I have acquired if the terms had been narrow. The terms are deliberately drawn wide, and it would be inimical to that width and generality if I were to specify certain subjects, as the hon. Member suggests.