Fuel Supplies

HC Deb 27 June 1963 vol 679 cc1632-4

3. Mr. Fitch

asked the Minister of Power what plans he now has to avoid a breakdown in the distribution of coal and solid smokeless fuel next winter.

Mr. Peyton

My right hon. Friend has had discussions with the National Coal Board which, in conjunction with the coal trade, is taking steps to increase supplies of house coal and to build up stocks for the winter. Supplies of gas coke should be adequate and production of the premium fuels is being increased. I hope that consumers will help by stocking fuel during the summer when they can buy at the lower prices.

Mr. Fitch

Would the Parliamentary Secretary consider setting up a permanent committee consisting of representatives of the National Coal Board and the Coal Traders' Federation to ensure a more efficient distribution of coal and smokeless fuel this winter? Surely after the experience of last winter plans should be laid now? Could he give any details of any specific plans already made?

Mr. Peyton

Consultations between the bodies the hon. Member mentioned are constant and between those bodies and my Department. While I certainly appreciate the aim the hon. Member has in mind, I do not think the setting up of another committee would help at all.

Mr. P. Williams

While having sympathy with my hon. Friend, who says that he would like to encourage householders to buy at cheaper summer prices, may I point out that there is a danger that future decreases in price may reduce that advantage? If the price decreases which are to take place could be announced at an early date, that would be a stimulus to early ordering.

Mr. Peyton

I think that is looking well beyond the edge of the horizon.

10. Mr. Hannan

asked the Minister of Power if he is aware that local authorities in Scotland are inhibited in their desire to implement the Clean Air Act because of difficulties encountered in securing adequate supplies of quality solid smokeless fuels; and if he will represent to the National Coal Board the need to construct a plant to produce solid smokeless fuel in Scotland at an early date.

Mr. Peyton

No, Sir. Supplies of Gloco are adequate. Premium fuels were scarce last winter, but the position should improve materially when the National Carbonising Company's plant at Comrie in Fife shire comes into production early next year. The N.C.B. stated in their 1962 Annual Report that they are considering the possibility of building a premium fuel plant in Scotland.

Mr. Hannan

While I am pleased to have the information which the Parliamentary Secretary has given us, will he bear these facts in mind? The difficulties of local authorities are increasing and all the signs are of an increasing demand for this fuel, but as yet no production of this character has taken place in Scotland. In view of the large number of unemployed, would he not agree that it would be an advantage to have this necessary development in Scotland?

Mr. Peyton

We are fully aware of the importance of the matter. I think that what I said in answer to the hon. Gentleman is all that I would be prepared to say at the moment.

Mr. McInnes

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that ten years have elapsed since the introduction of the Clean Air Act and that another five years will elapse before there are adequate supplies of smokeless fuel in Scotland? Cannot he do something to improve this situation?

Mr. Peyton

I think that the Answer I have given indicates some possibility of improvement. It is a serious problem both in the long and short term, and certainly engages the very careful attention of my Department.