HC Deb 13 February 1964 vol 689 cc543-4
27. Mr. W. Hamilton

asked the Minister of Power if it is still the policy of Her Majesty's Government to encourage public authorities to use indigenous fuel in preference to imported fuel unless there are substantial economies to be gained by using the latter.

29. Mr. J. Hill

asked the Minister of Power if he will introduce legislation to ensure that he will be consulted in future when Government institutions, with a view to installing new heating systems, are considering competitive offers for the supply of fuel from oil companies and the National Coal Board.

Mr. Erroll

It remains Government policy that the coal industry, which at present receives some protection, should have full opportunities of competing for such business. I do not contemplate legislation for consultation with me on individual cases.

Mr. Hamilton

Has the right hon. Gentleman read the report of the Adjourn ment debate on the question of the heating of two hospitals in Edinburgh, in which it was stated that the Coal Board gave guarantees of price stability over a number of years dating from now? The contract was nevertheless giver to the oil companies. There was substantial evidence of price rigging and none of the oil companies made a point of stating that it would guarantee a price when the oil was delivered in 1966–67, nor in any subsequent year. In view of these figures and the fact that this means loss of employment for 135 Scottish miners, will he not consult the Secretary of State for Scotland to get a little sense into allocating these contracts?

Mr. Erroll

The matter, as the hon. Member suggested, was fully ventilated in the Adjournment debate. I do not think it would be useful to go through the whole of that debate now. This is a matter for the Secretary of State for Scotland with whom, naturally, I am always in touch.

Mr. Hamilton

Is it not true that the Secretary of State would not consult the right hon. Gentleman and he made no attempt to consult the Secretary of State? He admitted that.

Mr. Erroll

There are a lot of things the hon. Member does not know about.