Priority for domestic heating oil
A member raised long delays for domestic heating oil. The Minister said it was not generally prioritised under his order, but applications involving older people, young children or illness would be considered sympathetically.
Is the Minister aware that, so far as supplies of domestic heating oil is concerned, some of the companies are informing their customers that there will be a minimum of eight weeks' delay in delivering?
Comment on this
That may be so. I am not aware of what the companies are telling their customers but domestic heating oil is not a priority under the order which I made.
Comment on this
It is not a priority under the order which I made. I have to ensure that users whose needs are, for example, related to employment, would get priority?
Comment on this
Would the Minister not agree that in some cases where there are old people, very young children or people who might be ill it could be a priority?
Comment on this
Yes, it could, and if application is made in cases of that kind they will be looked at sympathetically.