§ 20. Sir T. Mooreasked the Minister of Fuel and Power what amount of coal was produced in April, 1945, and in April, 1946, respectively; and what was the price of household coal to the consumer during the same months.
§ Mr. GaitskellOutput of deep mined coal in April, 1946, was 3,252,400 tons a week, and the corresponding figure for April, 1945, was 3,413,700 tons a week. It should be noted, however that the whole of the Easter holidays fell in April in 1946, whereas only part was included in 1945.
The retail price of household coal varies considerably, according to the grade of the coal and the area in which it is sold. In the Northern Region, where costs of distribution are low, the average retail price of representative grades of household coal was 55s. per ton in April, 1945, and 58s. 6d. per ton in April, 1946. Corresponding figures for the South-Eastern Region, where the costs of distribution are high, are 78s. 2d. and 8is. 8d. respectively, and for Scotland, which is in an intermediate position, 62s. 6d. and 66s.
§ Sir T. MooreArising out of those most interesting and thought provoking figures, may I ask the hon. Gentleman whether the Government's policy of nationalisation is likely to lead to cheaper and more coal?
§ Mr. GaitskellCertainly, Sir.
§ Sir T. MooreWhat an optimist.