HC Deb 29 May 1945 vol 411 c3
3. Mr. Wootton-Davies

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what is the average weekly consumption of coal by a man and wife who have no alternative system of heating or cooking; and what would be the increased cost due to the recent rise in coal prices.

Major Lloyd George

In the present coal year, maximum deliveries would permit average weekly coal consumption of a small family with no alternative means of heating and cooking to be just over 1 cwt. The recent increase in coal prices applied to this quantity amounts to 2d.–2½d. per week.

Mr. Wootton-Davies

Will the Minister explain how a rise of 3s. 6d. a ton becomes 2d. a cwt.?

Major Lloyd George

After a rise in prices we generally take it to the nearest halfpenny. In some cases it is taken to the upper level and in other cases to the lower level.

Mr. Wootton-Davies

Why does the Minister take the lowest figure?

Major Lloyd George

We do not invariably.

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