Smokeless Fuel Supplies

HC Deb 23 April 1964 vol 693 cc1484-5

25. Mr. Boardman

asked the Minister of Power if he is aware of the shortage of smokeless fuels in the Leigh, Atherton and Tyldesley area; and what action he proposes to take to ensure adequate supplies.

Mr. Peyton

I am not aware of any general shortage of suitable fuels in these areas.

Mr. Boardman

I assure the hon. Gentleman that there is a shortage, certainly a shortage of good fuel. Is he aware that many people in these coal mining areas have a built-in resistance to the use of any fuel other than coal, and the shortage and poor quality of these fuels add to the difficulty? Can he give an assurance that there will be an adequate supply of top quality fuels, particularly those which will give a satisfactory fire in an adapted grate?

Mr. Peyton

I am assured that Phimax, which is a reactive premium fuel, can be delivered without any delay. The same applies to gas coke for burning in an open fire. I understand that there was some delay in deliveries of Sunbrite a short time ago, but this has now been put right.

Mr. Boardman

Will the hon. Gentleman make inquiries about how much damage is being caused by the spitting of Phimax? This is not a satisfactory fuel in an old grate. Will he look into it?

Mr. Peyton

Certainly, and I do not doubt that the gas board particularly concerned will be interested to hear what the hon. Gentleman has said.

Mr. Holt

Does not the hon. Gentleman realise that unless his Ministry takes a much more positive attitude in trying to raise the standard not only of Phimax but of other fuels required in smoke control areas, the whole smokeless zone policy will be held up?

Mr. Peyton

This whole problem was dealt with very fully, as the hon. Gentleman knows, in the White Paper issued at the end of last year. The crux of the present situation is that there is ample solid fuel to maintain supplies in existing smoke control areas. As regards the future, there must be consultation between the local authorities and fuel suppliers. This is really very important. But I stress what I said before, that it would be wholly wrong to ask the gas industry to install uneconomic plant.