Railways Freeze Out Fuel Dealers
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IF there be a lack of fuel in homes in North-West England this winter, or if logs purchased to supplement the coal ration cost more than hitherto, the actions of British Railways will probably supply the reason, writes a special correspondent.
For some time there has been friction between fuel dealers in the area and the railways, but a particularly blatant case of restrictive practice occurred last week when delivery of a load of logs, which had been brought by the timber merchants by road from Penrith, a distance of over 100 miles, was banned. The consignment was for Messrs. T. Maxted and Sons, who, in common with many other fuel dealers, have accommodation at Cornbrook sidings, Manchester.
Coun. John Maxted, of Stretford, said that he was compelled to send the vehicle away without unloading. This was not the first instance in recent times when local fuel dealers had suffered similar action and, as a result, hardly
any wood fuel was at present in stock at Cornbrook, whereas last year there was a big supply in reserve.
Whilst the depot tenancy agreements provide that fuel shall be delivered only by rail, there has not been rigid insistance on this condition in the past, although some difficulties have previously arisen, Some time ago, when fuel dealers at Cornbrook purchased supplies of coke from Stretford Gas Works, a fiveminute journey by road vehicle and probably a two-day job by rail, the railways endeavoured to insist upon their rights, but finally gave way. Further difficulties arose in connection with open-cast coal and it was only s4 after rail transit had been proved to be inadequate that open-cast coat was allowed to enter by road.
Strenuous opposition is developing among the fuel merchants. Faced with meagre coal allocations to satisfy their customers during the cold weather, they fear that they may be compelled to make a large increase in the retail price of wood. Alternatively, the wood may not be available for the ordinary householder, who cannot manage to buy complete lorry-loads direct from the country.