§ 20. Mr. Hannanasked the Minister of Power when he will give effect to the recommendation of the Domestic Coal Consumers' Council that all traders should state the groups of coal they sell, irrespective of size of delivery, so as to bring abuse of grouping and price within the scope of the Merchandise Marks Acts.
§ Mr. WoodI have had discussions with the National Coal Board and the coal trade about ways of achieving the objectives which the Domestic Coal Consumers' Council had in mind. Plans to do this are well advanced and I think an announcement may be made quite soon.
§ Mr. HannanI appreciate the hopeful note in the Minister's reply, but will he bear in mind that the answer which is often given, namely, that the consumer has the choice of going to another merchant, is insufficient protection and does not deal with the principle of the matter? Is he further aware of the difficulties of those who purchase only small quantities of coal—2 cwt. or 3 cwt.? They have no guarantee that the coal which they purchase at the higher price is the grade of coal which they should get. The reply of the merchants is that the blame attaches to the National Coal Board, but this is quite wrong. Will the right hon. Gentleman do all that he can to defend the Board against such allegations?
§ Mr. WoodI know that the hon. Member has been interested in this matter for a long time. I hope that he will be satisfied if I am able to make an 903 announcement in the near future, and that he will also be satisfied by any scheme that I am then able to announce.