HC Deb 23 July 1962 vol 663 cc934-5
9. Mr. Longden

asked the Minister of Power when he expects to receive the report from the Domestic Coal Consumers' Council on the excessive moisture content in smokeless fuels.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Power (Mr. John Peyton)

As the Council may need several meetings to consider this important problem, I cannot say when its report will be made.

Mr. Longden

If the Council should fail to suggest an effective remedy for these very justified complaints, will my right hon. Friend be prepared to do so, for example by insisting upon some form of British Standard to control quality and prevent exploitation? Meanwhile, will he give the widest publicity to all the means now open to consumers for obtaining redress?

Mr. Peyton

Certainly. I am very anxious that consumers should have all possible knowledge of the ways in which they can obtain redress. As I said from this Box last week, one of the best ways is for them to complain and to press their complaints upon merchants. I am sure my hon. Friend will remember that Lady Burton is the chairman of the Council and that when she was a Member of this House she carried the standard unflaggingly on behalf of consumers. I am sure she will not cease to do that now. I cannot possibly think that she will fail.