HC Deb 10 November 1958 vol 595 c2W
40. Mr. Awbery

asked the Paymaster-General what inquiries have been made into the possibilities of replacing oil-burning installations by those burning coal so that the surplus coal now available can be utilised and the heavy cost of imported oil saved.

Mr. Maudling

The Government's policy is that consumers should be free to make their own choice of fuels, in the light of cost and efficiency for any particular job and they do not consider that the present temporary surplus of coal, judged in relation to the cost of imported oil, warrants any departure from this policy.