§ Mr. Haseldineasked the Minister of Power how many consumer complaints have been addressed, during 1966, to the Domestic Coal Consumers' Council; and what consideration is being given to enlarge this council on a regional basis to cover not only coal but coke and other solid smokeless fuels.
§ Mr. FreesonThe Council, whose terms of reference cover all solid fuels, received 41 complaints from consumers in 1966. Most complaints are dealt with satisfactorily under the complaints procedure of the Approved Coal Merchants Scheme, which is organised on a regional basis, and do not reach the Council. The Council, the members of which are drawn from many parts of the country, concerns itself primarily with matters affecting the consumer generally—price, quality and supply of fuel and service to the public. These are best dealt with nationally and my right hon. Friend sees no need to enlarge the Council on a regional basis.