§ Mr. MACQUISTENasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that under the Household Fuel and Lighting Order householders were allowed from 1st till 12th July last to re-register with another merchant; that owing to the delay of His Majesty's Stationery Office in issuing the said Order it was not procurable in Glasgow until 9th July, in consequence whereof it was impossible to give the necessary public notice; that application for a further period was made and refused; that as a result of these proceedings grave inconvenience has been caused to the citizens of Glasgow; that demobilised men are prevented from resuming business; that people who have changed from one district to another have a long haul for coal; and that those traders who have not given satisfaction to their customers escape the natural penalty of loss of custom; and will he immediately take steps to remedy matters by granting a fresh period for registration and advise the Glasgow Corporation thereof?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODI am aware of the facts to which the hon. Member draws attention. The question of re-registration of consumers of coal in Glasgow has received careful consideration, but as it may be possible to remove the control of house coal supplies in that area early next year,634W re-registration now would involve unnecessary confusion in the arrangements for distribution.