HC Deb 16 February 1951 vol 484 cc120-2W
Mr. Macdonald

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will arrange to give, old age pensioners and old persons who are entirely dependent on a widow's pension or a disability pension priority in coal supplies and at a reduced price, as compared with other domestic consumers.

Mr. P. Noel-Baker

The local fuel overseer organisation is available to deal with any cases of special need for priority in coal supplies, including old age pensioners. As regards the question of reduced prices, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member for Portsmouth, West (Brigadier Clarke) on 12th February, 1951.

Mr. Bossom

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will make arrangements whereby the medical certificates that are being issued for aged and sick people will enable them to get all the extra coal required.

Mr. P. Noel-Baker

Arrangements are already in existence by which extra coal will be supplied to meet needs which are proved to the satisfaction of the local fuel overseer, and I have no reason to believe that these arrangements are not working satisfactorily, but if the hon. Member will let me have particulars of any failure to meet some case of hardship which he has in mind I will look into the matter.