HC Deb 15 November 1966 vol 736 c215
5. Mr. Evelyn King

asked the Minister of Power how many builders' merchants businesses have been purchased by the National Coal Board since its inception.

Dr. Bray

I am informed by the National Coal Board that, through an associated company, fourteen builders' merchants businesses have been bought in various parts of the country.

Mr. King

Will the hon. Gentleman please bear in mind the degree of not unnatural resentment from the bona fide merchants who are now being competed with by a Board which has millions of pounds of capital behind it and which can afford to bear losses for an indefinite period?

Dr. Bray

At the same time, the hon. Member will, I am sure, agree that when other fuel industries have showrooms in shopping centres it is important for the Coal Board to have outlets for the kind of appliances in which people can burn coal. It is with this in mind that the Board is diversifying in this direction.

Mr. Nott

Do the figures which the Minister has just given include the large number of acquisitions made by J. H. Sankey & Son, a company controlled by the Coal Board?

Dr. Bray

Yes, they do.