§ Mr. Ethertonasked the Minister of Fuel and Power the reason for making the Gas Undertakings (Alteration of Declared Calorific Value) Order (S.R. & O., No. 1720, of 1943) under which gas undertakings are relieved of their statutory obligation to give a period of notice, usually of three months, before changing the calorific value of their gas.
Major Lloyd GeorgeFrom time to time unavoidable variations in the quality of coal supplied to gas undertakings, combined with run down conditions of plant and lack of skilled labour, result in fluctuations in the calorific value of the gas produced. Undertakings can sometimes meet these difficulties by reducing the declared calorific value of their gas. Such reduction can also, in some cases, promote economy in the use of fuel. The obligation to give a period of notice (usually three months) has been a hindrance to this course of action, and I have accordingly found it necessary to make 49W the Order suspending the obligation. This Order should in no way prejudice the interests of the consumer.