HC Deb 31 July 1946 vol 426 cc215-6W
Mr. Bowden

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will consider some more equitable form of fuel allocation to subtenants, as under the existing system the tenant of a house has to make application to the local fuel overseer's office every time the sub-tenant requires fuel; and if he can arrange a definite allocation for sub-tenants sharing a house.

Mr. Gaitskell

Sub-tenancies comprise anything from a single person in one room to a complete family occupying the greater part of a house. The need for additional fuel depends also on the extent to which cooking and heating facilities are shared and alternative fuels are available. I am satisfied that the present method of assessment of each case by the local fuel overseer is the most equitable one but I am having this difficult question reviewed and any improvement in administration which is considered practicable will be adopted. Sub-tenancies are, however, subject to frequent change and cannot be dealt with on a long-term basis.