HC Deb 28 January 1966 vol 723 c143W
Mr. Prior

asked the Minister of Power if he is satisfied that supplies of anthracite and Phurnacite to consumers in East Suffolk are adequate and that the present marketing organisation of the industry is sufficient to meet local demands; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Frederick Lee

This is a matter for the National Coal Board and the distributors, and I have asked the Chairman of the Board to write to the hon. Member.

Mr. Prior

asked the Minister of Power why the Lowestoft district is not receiving its proper supply of anthracite grains and phurnacite; and what results have been achieved by the tripartite committee set up by him, representing the railways, the Coal Board and the distribution trades, to ensure that the output of these commodities is fairly distributed throughout the retail fuel distributive trade, in view of the fact that merchants' programmes are based on the original registration of individual consumers.

Mr. Frederick Lee

The supply of anthracite grains and Phurnacite is a matter for the National Coal Board and the distributors, and I have asked the Chairman of the Board to write to the hon. Member.

I understand that the purpose of the tripartite committees which have been set up by British Railways, the National Coal Board and the distributors, is to consider plans for the more economical handling of solid fuel at a smaller number of depots.

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