HC Deb 21 December 1973 vol 866 cc482-3W
Sir J. Foster

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, in view of the fact that old people are suffering from the cold because of the shortage of paraffin and other heating fuels, what steps he is now taking to ensure that distributors receive a sufficient allocation of such fuel.

Mr. Ernest G. Perry

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if he is aware that old-age pensioners in South London cannot obtain supplies of paraffin for domestic heating; and if he will take action to help them;

(2) what steps he is taking to ensure that paraffin dealers in South London get adequate supplies.

Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action he is taking in the light of reports by Task Force, details of which have been sent to him, that elderly people are suffering from the effects of the shortage of paraffin; and if he will make a statement.

Dame Joan Vickers

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if, in view of new information from two main distributors that supplies of domestic paraffin are down by 75 per cent., he will consider, under the emergency regulations, making provision for priority to be given to pensioners, who form the majority of domestic users of paraffin, since they are most likely to suffer from the shortage.

Mr. Oakes

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will introduce a priority scheme under which pensioners and the disabled may obtain supplies of paraffin for oil heaters.

Mr. Tom Boardman

The action taken by my Department in conjunction with the oil industry should lead to the early distribution of considerably increased supplies of paraffin for domestic heating in those areas where there is at present a shortage. Retailers generally are asked to give preferential treatment to those people, particularly the elderly and the disabled, who have no alternative means of heating.

Mr. Ernest G. Perry

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is taking to ensure that supplies of paraffin for domestic heating are made available.

Mr. Tom Boardman

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Roxburgh, Selkirk and Peebles (Mr. David Steel) on 17th December.—[Vol. 866, c.2467.]

Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action he is taking in the light of reports by Task Force, details of which have been sent to him, that elderly people are suffering from the effects of increased prices; and if he will make a statement.

Sir G. Howe

I am fixing a maximum retail price for paraffin intended for use in portable domestic oil burners with effect from tonight. The maximum price in the Inner Zone, which includes the major conurbations, will be 21 p per gallon for class 1 paraffin and 20p per gallon for class 2 paraffin; with l½p extra in each case for deliveries.