§ 43. Mr. A. Robertsasked the Paymaster-General, in view of the uncertainty that exists concerning the supply and demand of British indigenous fuels, and the lack of a coherent policy dealing with the supply of refined fuel, if he will recommend the appointment of a Royal Commission to inquire and advise on the fuel problems of this country, with a view to giving guidance to the National Coal Board, the Central Electricity Generating Board and the Gas Council on future planning to meet potential demand.
§ Sir I. HorobinNo, Sir.
§ Mr. RobertsIn view of the negative reply, will the Minister agree that some 629 committee of inquiry should be set up because of the present very complex fuel problem?
§ Sir I. HorobinNo, Sir. This is a matter on which there is a difference of opinion between the two sides of the House. I am afraid that the hon. Gentleman must accustom himself to the fact that if the people of England can get cheap fuel at a profit they are not going to be bothered with dear fuel at a loss.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsDo I gather from that reply by the Parliamentary Secretary that although when this country was desperately short of fuel of any kind miners were asked to surrender their Saturdays and to do many other things, the Government now recognise no obligation to have some regard to their future in spite of their past history?
§ Sir I. HorobinNo, Sir, the right hon. Gentleman must not assume that.