HC Deb 23 January 1947 vol 432 cc73-4W
62. Mr. Shurmer

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is aware of the high prices being charged for wood logs in the city of Birmingham, and if he will control the price of these logs in view of the coal shortage.

Mr. Shinwell

Retail prices for wood fuel which have been agreed as reasonable by my Regional Officer and the principal suppliers of wood fuel for the City of Birmingham are £5 per ton loose or £5 ins. per ton bagged. I am not aware of higher prices being charged. If my hon. Friend will let me have details of any cases in which higher prices are being charged, and on investigation the price is proved to be excessive, I am empowered to issue an Order prohibiting the person responsible from supplying wood fuel except under the authority of a permit fixing the maximum price which may be charged.