§ 28. Mr. Messerasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if the consideration which was promised by his Department has yet been given to the request by the County Councils Association that the protection given by the Wood Fuel Prices, Wholesale, Order, 1946, to wholesale 132W purchasers of wood fuel should be extended to retail purchasers, and, in view of the correspondence which took place between his Department and the Association extending from July, 1946, to August, 1948, whether a conclusion is likely to be reached in time for it to be effective during the forthcoming winter and thus help in dealing with the fuel shortage which is likely to occur.
§ Mr. GaitskellI do not consider that present market conditions justify the introduction of statutory control over the retail price of wood fuel the enforcement of which presents great difficulties. I am, however, making preparations to introduce control at short notice in case circumstances make it necessary.