HC Deb 22 December 1954 vol 535 cc307-8W
Colonel Clarke

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he has any further statement to make about the amalgamation of local fuel offices.

Mr. Joynson-Hicks

As I explained to the House on 25th October, my right hon. Friend has been arranging for the work of local fuel overseers to be concentrated in fewer offices where this could be done without undue inconvenience to the public. Experience has shown that an efficient service can be provided at a considerably reduced cost for larger areas than many of those still left. My right hon. Friend has therefore now instructed his regional officers to invite the local authorities concerned to co-operate in arranging such further substantial concentrations of the local fuel overseers' work as may be practicable. He is sure that his officers can rely, as in the past, on the co-operation of the local authorities.