Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what (a) research and (b) consultation his Department has undertaken with house coal retailers in England and Wales on house coal prices throughout England and Wales in relation to his Department’s consultation on cleaner domestic burning of solid fuels and wood; and if he will make a statement.

The consultation on cleaner domestic burning of solid fuels and wood relates to England only.

Research has been undertaken based on responses submitted during the consultation period along with further analysis of advertised retail prices.

During the consultation period, various respondents sent in their own price analysis. These note that there are price differentials associated with volumes purchased and seasonality, as well as between differing locations across England.