Smokeless Fuels (Hansard, 2 February 1959)

§ 42 and 43. Mr. Dodds
asked the Paymaster-General (1) if he is aware of the increasing difficulty experienced by the public in trying to obtain supplies of the appropriate types of smokeless fuel; what co-ordination there is between his Department and the other authorities concerned with creating smokeless zones; and what machinery exists to relate this policy to the adequacy of supplies of the kind of fuel necessary to give satisfactory results in modern domestic solid fuel appliances; and
(2) if he is aware of the widespread dissatisfaction during the recent cold spell in respect of the renewed inadequacy of supplies of suitable types of smokeless fuel for modern domestic appliances; and, in view of the many assurances that have been given over the past few years that steps were being taken to improve the position, if he will make a statement explaining why the position now continues to worsen, and give some indication of how much longer the present unsatisfactory situation is to continue.

§ 49. Mr. Beswick
asked the Paymaster-General if he is aware of the consumer resistance to the use of coke as a smokeless fuel and the inadequacy of the supply of alternative smokeless fuels; and if, in view of the Government's clean-air policy, he will investigate the alleged unsuitability of coke and, if necessary, increase the supply of other types of smokeless fuel.

§ The Paymaster-General (Mr. Reginald Maudling)
There has been a substantial increase in demand for solid smokeless fuels, much of it in districts not covered by smoke control Orders. There is no overall shortage, although supplies of certain premium fuels are limited. There are ample supplies of gasworks and coke oven coke, which, used in the right appliances, will burn well. Where there is resistance to the use of coke this arises largely because consumers use unsuitable qualities or burn it in unsuitable appliances without always realising that it needs to be used differently from coal. 25 Householders who are not used to coke can get advice on how to use it from their local Gas Boards or coke distributors.
Local authorities proposing to set up smoke control areas are required to estimate the smokeless fuels needed. These estimates, are examined by regional committees on which producers and distributors are represented, and on the basis of their work, my noble friend the Minister of Power advises my right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government on the adequacy of supplies.

§ Mr. Dodds
Does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that, despite all the promises which are made, the amount of frustration and anger about the present unsatisfactory situation is such that he and his colleagues should try to establish better public relations? What is he doing about this to help people to understand more about it? Is it a fact that they are trying to fob off people with coke which they cannot otherwise sell?

§ Mr. Maudling
I do not accept the hon. Member's description of the present situation, but I can assure him that my noble Friend is giving particular attention to this problem, which is difficult.

§ Mr. Beswick
May I ask the Minister not to underestimate the frustration to which my hon. Friend the Member for Erith and Crayford (Mr. Dodds) referred, as it is very real both among consumers and among coal merchants? If the difficulty with coke is largely one of the appliances in which it is burned, cannot he have some advertising campaign which would enlighten the public as to what changes they have to make in their grates before they can use coke?

§ Mr. Maudling
I will certainly consider that suggestion. In smoke control areas there will be financial assistance for people who have to change to approved types of appliance.

§ Sir G. Nicholson
Is my right hon. Friend aware that this particular frustration is because these people bought appliances designed to burn Coalite? Surely, it should be possible to issue literature through the coal merchants to inform these people what the best alternative fuels are?

§ Mr. Maudling
That, again, I will certainly consider. I think the manufacturers of Coalite and other premium fuels are doing their best to expand production, but this depends on supplies of appropriate qualities of coal.

§ Mr. Beswick
But is the Minister not aware—

§ Mr. Speaker
I think we have had all this. If the hon. Gentleman wishes to pursue the matter further, he should give notice to raise it on the Motion for the Adjournment.

§ Mr. Dodds
Owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the Answer, I beg to give notice that I will raise the matter on the Motion for the Adjournment at the earliest possible moment.

§ 44. Mr. Dodds
asked the Paymaster-General, in view of the high price of gas coke and the availability of large stocks, what is being done in the way of experiments in an effort to improve its quality, particularly for use in open fires.

§ Mr. Maudling
Much of the gas coke produced is already of a type which burns well in modern appliances, including suitable open fires, and gives good value at present prices. The gas industry is doing its best to increase the quantity of such coke available to the domestic consumer, to ensure that it is appropriately sized to meet domestic needs, and to demonstrate to the householder how to get the best results from its use.

§ Mr. Dodds
Does the right hon. Gentleman understand that this is one more statement that has been made that will in no way placate the public? Why do not the Government do something about it? Why not a bit more private enterprise to do something to help the public?

§ Mr. Maudling
I explained a moment or two ago what is being done about it.

§ Mr. Beswick
May I ask the Minister if, in the information which he is making available about the burning of coke, he will also include information about the grants that can be obtained towards the cost of changing the appliances?

§ Mr. Maudling
I will certainly consider that.