§ 63. Mr. D. Priceasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether, in view of consumer criticism, he will institute an inquiry into the cost of distributing coal.
§ Mr. Aubrey JonesYes. I have decided to appoint a Departmental Committee with the following terms of reference
To ascertain what are the various items which make up the difference between the prices received by producers of coal, coke and manufactured fuels in Great Britain and those paid by inland consumers; to investigate the merchants' distribution costs and profit margins in respect of these supplies and to make recommendations.Sir Thomas Robson, a past president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, 8W has kindly agreed to Chair the Committee and the other members will be:
Mr. C. T. Brunner, Professor A. D. Campbell, Mrs. F. H. Cantwell, Sir Graham Larmor and Mr. W. J. P. Webber.
I understand that the Minister of Commerce, Northern Ireland, intends to appoint the same Committee to carry out a similar inquiry in respect of Northern Ireland.