112 and 113. Mr. Garner-Evansasked the Minister of Fuel and Power (1) how many complaints regarding the inclusion of slate and other rubbish in consignments of coal were investigated by his Depart- 115W ment in the last 12 months for which figures are available; and what was the average percentage of such slate and rubbish in those consignments for which reimbursement had to be made;
(2) what is the number of his inspectors employed in investigating the complaints of coal factors, coal merchants and of industrial and domestic coal consumers regarding the admixture of slate and other rubbish included in consignments of coal; what qualifications are required of these inspectors; and at what salaries they are employed.
§ Mr. RobensAs is explained in paragraphs 286 to 288 of the National Coal Board's Report for 1948, the settlement of complaints about dirt in consignments of coal rests between buyer and seller in accordance with normal commercial practice. My Department does not employ inspectors to investigate complaints of this nature.