HC Deb 08 December 1964 vol 703 cc1299-301
9. Mr. J. H. Osborn

asked the Minister of Power how stocks in November of opengrate and other solid smokeless fuels compare with those in November last year; and whether he is satisfied that supplies are adequate to meet demands due to the increased number of smoke control areas.

15. Mr. Webster

asked the Minister of Power if he is satisfied that supplies of all kinds of smokeless fuel will be adequate during the coming winter; and if he will make a statement.

26. Mr. Channon

asked the Minister of Power if he is satisfied that there is an adequate amount of smokeless fuel for the winter; and what steps he is taking to stimulate supplies.

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

Stocks of most smokeless fuels are better than last year and in general supplies will be adequate this winter; but there may be local shortages of particular types. The producers are fully seized of the importance of satisfying the market and consumers can help by placing orders in good time.

Mr. Osborn

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in the area near my constituency there are local authorities which have come to very different conclusions? Is he satisfied with the working of all the regional advisory councils, and particularly the one near my area?

Mr. Morris

The confirmation of an order is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government. I shall write to the hon. Gentleman about the advisory councils.

Mr. Webster

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that we on this side of the House are glad to know that he has been left with adequate stocks for the current year? Will he make the greatest effort to ensure that there are adequate supplies of both Gloco and reactivated fuel for unimproved open grates?

Mr. Morris

All grades of gas coke are stocked to higher levels than at this time last year. The hon. Gentleman referred to Gloco, the cheapest open fire coke. This is in good supply in the South and in the Midlands, and in adequate supply for existing consumers in smoke control areas in the North and North-West. Those gas boards which make premium fuels, Cleanglow and Phimax, expect to meet the demand for them.

Colonel Lancaster

In view of the various statements which have appeared from one year to the next about the output of smokeless fuel at Birch Coppice, can he say whether one single ton has been produced at this plant for household consumption?

Mr. Morris

If I understood the hon. and gallant Gentleman correctly, with regard to adequate supplies of fuel in future, the National Coal Board has under consideration a number of other sites for making smokeless fuel. The rate at which plants are set up will depend largely on the demand.

Colonel Lancaster

That is not what I asked. I asked whether any production was occurring at this moment at Birch Coppice. The hon. Gentleman is aware that £9 million of public money has been spent on that plant. I am sure that the House will be anxious to know whether at long last anything is being produced for the householder at that plant.

Mr. Morris

I am sorry that I did not correctly understand the question. If the hon. and gallant Gentleman puts down a Question about that plant, I shall endeavour to answer it.

25. Mrs. Joyce Butler

asked the Minister of Power if he will take steps to control the retail price of prepacked smokeless fuels.

Mr. John Morris

No, Sir.

Mrs. Butler

Does the Minister realise that the shocking prices charged for these bags of fuel last winter was a particular hardship on elderly people, living in one or two rooms in a smokeless zone, who were compelled to buy the fuel in this form because they had no storage space? In view of the fact that the worst of the winter is before us and that there is a real danger of some of these old people dying from hypothermia, will he review the machinery for price control to prevent a similar racket this winter with the accompanying tragedies which may well follow?

Mr. Morris

I am aware of this difficulty. The ability of consumers in general to shop around and choose is the most effective safeguard against excessive prices for prepacked fuel. I am aware of the suggestion of the Domestic Coal Consumers' Council that the recommended selling price should be marked on packets of prepacked fuel. I hope that this practice will be adopted as far as is practicable. I have no power to require the price to be marked on packs in this way.