§ 10. Mr. K. Lewisasked the Minister of Power what action he proposes to take on the report made to him by the Domestic Coal Consumers' Council with regard to the desirability of retail coal merchants stating the National Coal Board's quality grouping of the different coals they sell when supplying their customers.
§ 11. Mr. Stonehouseasked the Minister of Power if he has considered the Report of the Domestic Coal Consumers' Council; and what action he proposes to take.
§ The Minister of Power (Mr. Richard Wood)I would refer the hon. Members to the reply which I gave the hon. Member for Nottingham, North (Mr. Whitlock) on 21st November.
§ Mr. LewisWill my right hon. Friend represent to the chairman-designate of the National Coal Board that, if the Board is to remain competitive with other domestic fuels, it is vital that when the best coal is asked for and paid for it should be supplied?
§ Mr. WoodI think that both the chairman and the chairman-designate are well aware of that great truth.
§ 15. Mr. Whitlockasked the Minister of Power when he expects to receive from the coal trade proposals for ensuring that coal be sold in accordance with recognised groupings.
§ Mr. WhitlockWould the right hon. Gentleman remember that every day there is delay in taking action in this matter some consumers are being swindled and the coal trade is being unfairly handicapped in its competition with other fuels?
§ Mr. WoodI should like to emphasise the small number of coal merchants whom the Domestic Coal Consumers' Council had in mind When it made its recommendation. I think the hon. Gentleman agrees with that, but I know his interest in this matter, and I think he knows mine, and I am most anxious that I should get proposals from the trade as soon as possible. I hope they will not be long.