HC Deb 16 October 1945 vol 414 cc933-4W
Mr. De la Bère

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether, in view of the short supply of fuel to householders throughout the country this winter, he will make provision by utilising prisoners of war and the necessary gear to collect from the felled woodlands the many thousands of tons of lop and top that are now obtainable for the national fuel supply.

Mr. Shinwell

Arrangements were made some time ago for the employment of both military personnel and prisoners of war on the collection of wood fuel. A high proportion of the labour required for this work must be experienced and consequently the number of military personnel and prisoners of war that can usefully be employed is strictly limited. Within these limits the maximum use is made of available equipment.

Major J. White

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is in a position to make a statement on the steps that are being taken to ensure that domestic consumers will be able, during the winter months, to purchase supplies of logs at reasonable prices; and whether, in view of the fact that the shortage of coal is likely to continue for a considerable time, he will take steps to encourage the production of wood-burning heating stoves, similar to those in use in Scandinavia.

Mr. Shinwell

With a view to ensuring as far as is possible that logs are made available to consumers during the winter, my Ministry has, with the assistance of local authorities, accumulated considerable stocks of logs in various parts of the country which will be used to meet emergency needs, and all possible steps are being taken to increase such stocks to the maximum extent possible with the limited labour available for this work. At the same time every effort is being made to increase the amount of wood fuel made available for current consumption through normal trade channels. The wood fuel will no doubt be burned in existing appliances and I do not consider that it is desirable at this stage to develop specialised appliances for the purpose; in any case such development could hardly assist the situation this winter.

From past experience I am satisfied that the costs of converting waste timber into logs and of delivery to consumers are very high in relation to the fuel value of the wood. I am, however, aware of complaints that excessive prices are being charged and I am considering as a matter of urgency what steps are necessary to deal with this situation.