Grades

6.

Mr. Hastings
asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how many grades of coal are recognised by his Department; and on what criteria grading is determined.

Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd
Seven, for house coal. The main criteria are size, ash content, rate of burning and calorific value.

Mr. Hastings
Is the category of any coal at any given colliery determined by a committee, or how exactly is it arranged?

Mr. Lloyd
It is determined by the Coal Board, in consultation with the merchants, with whom they have special arrangements.