HC Deb 15 November 1966 vol 736 cc195-6
1. Mr. Molloy

asked the Minister of Power what steps will be taken to ensure that coal and fuel distributors do not unjustly increase prices during the period of severe restraint.

44. Mr. Lubbock

asked the Minister of Power if he is aware that the price charged for Multiheat fuel has been increased from 17s. 7d. per hundredweight to 19s. 2d. per hundredweight since August, whereas to recover the seasonal increase of 20s. per ton in pithead prices for domestic fuel and the introduction of the Selective Employment Tax the price should only have been increased to 18s. 9d.; and what action he will take to ensure that solid fuel merchants adhere to the Government's policy on prices and incomes.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Power (Dr. Jeremy Bray)

Through the agency of the trade associations, my right hon. Friend has recently written to all coal merchants about prices, and the Department will be discussing issues arising from the period of severe restraint with representatives of the trade in due course. I understand that the hon. Member for Orpington (Mr. Lubbock) is sending me details about the case mentioned in his Question, and I will make inquiries.

Mr. Molloy

Will my hon. Friend appreciate that this is an extraordinarily serious matter, because during the period of severe restraint, if there should be any unjustifiable increases in coal and fuel prices—and sometimes increases are erroneously said to be the fault of miners and the National Coal Board—if there is not severe restraint—[HON. MEMBERS: "Get on."] I know that this is not important to hon. Members opposite, but it is to working people—any unjustifiable increase would cause very great dissatisfaction indeed?

Dr. Bray

We appreciate the seriousness of this matter. The response of the trade has been, by and large, encouraging.

Mr. Lubbock

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the company which has imposed on its customers the increases mentioned in my Question is Messrs. Charringtons? Will he have discussions with this firm, and, if it does not agree to rescind that part of the increase which cannot be justified by the change from summer to winter prices and the Selective Employment Tax, will he give me an undertaking that an order under the Prices and Incomes Act will be made?

Dr. Bray

We shall look into the case thoroughly.

Mr. Geoffrey Wilson

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there have been complaints about this matter from all over the country, and that as fuel is a basic charge, especially for those in the lower income groups, it is very important? There are also complaints about gas and electricity charges.

Dr. Bray

It is precisely because of its importance that we have been giving the matter such close attention.