HC Deb 19 May 1942 vol 380 cc48-9W
Major Lyons

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in connection with any proposals for reduction in the consumption of light and fuel, he has consulted with Sir Richard Redmayne, in view of the latter's experience in the crisis of 1917–18 and his knowledge of the coal industry over many years?

Mr. Dalton

No, Sir. Sir Richard Redmayne is an eminent mining engineer and his experience and knowledge are related to the production of fuel, including the safety and health of mine workers, rather than to its consumption.

Sir L. Lyle

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has yet consulted representatives of the Institute of Fuel, the Institute of Gas Engineers and the Coal Utilisation Research Association, in connection with the proposed rationing of fuel?

Mr. Dalton

As was stated in reply to my hon. Friend on 29th April, full advantage has been taken of technical advice on the use and economy of fuel, but fuel rationing is another matter and the organisations he mentions have not been consulted on it.

Miss Ward

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received from fuel overseers and gas and electricity undertakings, the number of permanent additional staff they estimate they will require to carry out efficiently fuel rationing?

Mr. Dalton

I have taken steps to ascertain the views of local fuel overseers in various parts of the country and also of gas and electricity undertakings on the additional staff they would require for fuel rationing.