§ 37. Mr. R. S. Hudsonasked the Minister of Fuel and Power what has been the result of the representations he was to make to the National Coal Board on the subject of dirty coal.
§ Mr. P. Noel-BakerAs the result of my conversations with them, the National Coal Board have instructed their divisions to redouble their drive at the pits for cleaner filling, and for the better manning and supervision of the picking belts. I understand that the divisions are also taking the matter up with their colliery consultative committees. The Board are pressing forward with the provision of more plant for the mechanical cleaning of the coal. They also had a full discussion with representatives of the distributive trade on 4th April. The trade have undertaken to furnish the Board with lists of coals which they regard as inherently unsuitable for household use, and of coals which are inadequately prepared for the domestic market; in each case, the Board will seek either to withdraw the coal from sale for domestic use or to make improvements in its preparation. The question of redress for bad quality coal was also discussed; the Board will try to simplify the procedure for dealing with complaints by merchants and consumers. Further meetings are being arranged.