§ Captain Kerbyasked the Minister of Fuel and Power the difference in grade and size between bean and pea anthracite; why there is a price differential of some 30s. per ton cheaper for retail sales of the latter grade; and why it has recently become impossible to obtain supplies of peas in West Sussex, thus forcing users to consume beans at the higher price.
§ Mr. Geoffrey LloydAnthracites are classified into three main groups according to quality. Beans, which are slightly larger than peas, are made only from the very best anthracite (Group 1); peas are produced in Group 2 and Group 3 qualities only and are therefore cheaper than beans. The demand for anthracite greatly exceeds the supply and shortages of particular sizes are unavoidable from time to time. The supply of peas during the period from April to October is specially difficult owing to the demand from Canada, but if my hon. Friend will send me details of the cases he has in mind I will make inquiries.