HC Deb 17 January 1967 vol 739 cc15-6
13. Mr. Iremonger

asked the Minister of Power if he will make a statement about the availability and prices as compared with ordinary fuel of smokeless fuel for people living in newly declared smokeless zones in Redbridge; and what plans he has for special price concessions for retirement pensioners whose fuel bills are increased by the requirement to burn smokeless fuel.

Mr. Freeson

Supplies and prices of smokeless fuels in particular areas are matters for the suppliers and distributors. The Supplementary Benefits Commission will consider making a special grant to help pensioners eligible for supplementary benefits who find themselves in difficulty as a result of having to switch to smokeless fuels.

Mr. Iremonger

But surely the Minister realises that this is not a matter of people on National Assistance, as they still regard themselves, but of people on very marginal incomes just above that level. As the hon. Gentleman's Government have already arranged for old-age pensioners to have indiscriminate benefits on public transport, will they not now do something about people who want to keep themselves warm in the winter?

Mr. Freeson

I do not think that I can add very much to what I have already said. Questions about the level of pensions and the incomes of people in difficulties are for the Minister of Social Security. As I have indicated, if certain people are in difficulties they can make application and receive assistance.

Mr. Molloy

Is my hon. Friend aware that there is a great deal of bitterness extant amongst members of the general public over what they consider to be cheating amongst retailers over price increases for smokeless fuel? If my hon. Friend is to say that that is the public's responsibility, it seems pointless for them to complain in order to be protected against this cheating, as they have been asked to do by the First Secretary. Will not my hon. Friend reconsider his reply, and say that on receipt of complaints of these increases his Ministry will thoroughly examine them?

Mr. Freeson

I am sorry if my previous replies implied, or were taken to imply, that we would not investigate complaints reported to us. In fact, the Department is dealing with complaints very thoroughly. We have had quite a number, and I can assure him that we shall continue to investigate them.