HC Deb 30 September 1941 vol 374 cc452-3
44. Major Milner

asked the Secretary for Mines whether his attention has been directed to the resolution of the National Gas Council, West Riding Board, recommending members not to agree to increased coal prices unless approved by the Ministry; whether he will state the names of the officers authorised to give such approval in the West Riding and on what grounds increases of price on existing contracts are given?

Mr. Grenfell

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. The general levels of colliery prices are controlled, on lines agreed with my Department, through machinery set up for each district under the Coal Mines Act, 1930, and any increase in prices, which have to be permitted from time to time, are authorised by my Department, either nationally or for individual districts. Coal prices are only increased after very careful consideration of all the circumstances, especially the vital need for maintaining production at the maximum level. Special arrangements have had to be made for a price increase on certain supplies, particularly on those now being diverted from the domestic market to gas works. The great majority of existing contracts between collieries and buyers provide for the automatic addition of all authorised increases to the original contract price.

Major Milner

Will my hon. Friend give the names of the officers in the West Riding who approved these increases?

Mr. Grenfell

I could give the names, but not offhand.

Major Milner

But my hon. Friend will see that in my Question I asked whether he would state the names of the officers authorised to give such approval in the West Riding.

Mr. Grenfell

That is an omission, but I can give my hon. and gallant Friend and the House that information if they desire.