HC Deb 28 May 1946 vol 423 c970
38. Major John Morrison

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the present monthly output and average cost per ton of opencast coal; the details of how this cost is made up; and how the cost compares with that ruling a year and two years ago.

Mr. Shinwell

As the answer necessarily contains a number of figures I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

Output returns are rendered weekly and it is not possible to state precisely the production of calendar months. During the four complete weeks of April which included the Easter holidays, 778, 078 tons were raised, and during the first two weeks in May the average output has been 221, 461 tons. Average costs of production are calculated annually and amounted, during the year ended 31st March, 1946, to 30s. 10d. per ton at site which includes restoration of the surface, details of which cannot be given separately. The comparable figures for the two previous years are 30s. 1d. and 273. 3d. respectively. In addition expenditure in respect of prospecting, royalties and compensation, operation of screening and loading plants and stocking grounds, amortisation of equipment and other charges amount to approximately 15s. 7d. a ton making a total of approximately 46s. 5d.