§ 3. Mr. Iremongerasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he is aware that the purposes and operation of the Clean Air Act are being thwarted by the shortage of smokeless fuels in Greater London; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir K. JosephNo, Sir. My right hon. Friend has no doubt that there will be ample supplies of good smokeless fuels to permit the creation of many more smoke control areas in Greater London.
§ Mr. IremongerWhile thanking my hon. Friend for that reply, may I ask him whether he is aware that this view is not shared by a number of responsible authorities in the Greater London Area? Will he possibly consider some liaison between his Department and the National Coal Board so that reassurance may be given to authorities which are in doubt on this matter? Also, can they be advised on how they can put their proposals into effect?
§ Sir K. JosephThe number of local authorities which are doubtful about supplies is relatively few. This matter, of course, concerns the Ministry of Power, but I know that the National Coal Board is very alive to the importance not only of providing but of effectively marketing high-quality coke.