§ 45. Mr. Masonasked the Minister of Power if he will institute an official inquiry into the overall system of coal distribution, especially the problems of the recent cold spell, with a view to ascertaining whether the present system is adequate; whether legislation is required to give the Government more control; whether he will take steps to control retail coal prices so that individual coal merchants will not exploit customers during periods of great demand; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WoodI do not think these steps are necessary. Future arrangements for the supply of house coal are being discussed by the Coal Board, the trade and the railways, and I shall ask everyone who is concerned in these discussions to pay special attention to the experience of the last few weeks.