§ 15. Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Power what is the number of members of the Domestic Coal Consumers' Council; and how many are engaged in producing and selling coal and coke.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Power (Mr. J. C. George)When two outstanding vacancies have been filled, the Council will consist of 31 members, of whom eight represent those engaged in producing or selling coal or coke.
§ Mr. DoddsI congratulate the hon. Gentleman on achieving his objective of getting to the Box. May I wish him well on that? Is he aware that there is a feeling that too many of the members of this Domestic Coal Consumers' Council are engaged in producing and selling fuel? Is this not one of the reasons why the Twelfth Annual Report seems to fail in its objective in dealing with consumers' problems? Could we have more consumers on it?
§ Mr. GeorgeThe number of members of the Council engaged in producing and distributing coal is eight compared with 23 other members. Nevertheless, I have taken note of the hon. Gentleman's views, which will be considered when any rethinking is done about the constitution of the Council.