§ 109. Mr. H. Nichollsasked the Minister of Fuel and Power how many persons are now employed in the offices of local fuel overseers; what is the annual cost thereof; and, in view of the need for national economy, if he will now take steps to direct their energies into more productive channels.
§ Mr. Geoffrey LloydLocal fuel overseers and their staffs are appointed by the local authorities concerned. The number employed on 30th April, 1952, was 4,088, of whom 1,714 were part-time only. During the last financial year the total cost was £1,070,219, of which 111W £949,966 was provided on my Department's Vote, the remainder falling on the Votes of other Departments for common services such as office accommodation and stationery. The present system of control will be removed as soon as sufficient supplies of coal are available to justify that course.