§ Mr. Pendryasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if, in view of concern over the possible shortage of solid smokeless fuels this winter and in view of the demand for gas and electrical appliances, he will give general directions to the appropriate nationalised boards to suspend the programme of proposed closures of gas and electricity showrooms in order to ease the hardships such shortages will bring.
§ Mr. RidleyNo. This is a matter for the industries. General directions would not be appropriate.