§ 7. Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will introduce legislation to bring under the ownership of the National Coal Board all retail selling of coal and associated fuels.
§ Mr. RobertsDoes not my hon. Friend agree that when the average pithead price of coal is £9.60 a ton and the average retail price is £18 a ton something is seriously wrong? While none of us expects anything immediately from the Government in this direction, we all expect the next Labour Government to look urgently at methods of expanding the rôle of nationalised industries to cover some of their subsidiary activities.
§ Mr. EadieI am sure my hon. Friend will agree that he will get action from both this Government and the next Labour Government as well. Coal merchants' margins are strictly controlled by the prices and incomes legislation.
§ Mr. MolloyIs my hon. Friend aware that in parts of London, if not in other parts of the country, some of those who are responsible for the distribution of coal and other fuel are not able to meet their contracts and deliver to households and that there is little one can do about it other than appeal? Will he consider forming an establishment in the Department where complaints of this nature can be lodged and the appropriate action taken?
§ Mr. EadieIf my hon. Friend has particulars of cases he has in mind, I assure him that they will be looked into.