§ Mr. Warbeyasked the Minister of Power if he will introduce legislation to 91W establish a national coal and smokeless fuel distribution organisation, to ensure that available supplies are distributed fairly, efficiently and at reasonable prices.
§ Mr. WoodNo. I think that the Approved Coal Merchants Scheme and voluntary co-operation between producers and distributors will best ensure that the available supplies are so distributed.
§ Mr. Warbeyasked the Minister of Power whether he is aware that in the London area smokeless fuel is being freely offered for sale in 28 lb. bags at 19s. 10d. a cwt., whereas merchants are still waiting for supplies of Welsh boiler nuts, Clean-glow and Rexco ordered over two months ago; and what steps he is taking to correct this maldistribution.
§ Mr. PeytonI understand that supplies of boiler fuels generally are now adequate, and any merchant who is short of Welsh boiler nuts should approach the National Coal Board in the usual commercial way. Supplies of Gloco for improved open grates are good. I do not think that such delays as there may still be in deliveries of premium fuels are attributable to the existence of bagged supplies. The North Thames Gas Board supplies only 50 tons a week in this form, a minute proportion of its output, the remainder of which goes to the merchants in bulk. The Board plans to increase its supplies of Cleanglow for the next winter.