§ 79. Colonel Clarkeasked the Minister of Fuel and Power what is the increase in cost of creosote-pitch mixture made on 1st October; what percentage increase this represents; and how it is related to recent increases in the price of coal and imported fuel oil respectively.
§ Mr. GaitskellThe maximum delivered price of creosote-pitch mixture was increased by 30s. per ton on the 1st October last, representing a percentage increase ranging from 27.8 per cent. to 31.7 per cent., according to the district and the quantity supplied in a year. The increase is related not to the recent increase in the price of coal but to the increase on 1st September last of 1¾d. per gallon or 35s. per ton in the price of petroleum heavy fuel oil which is the corresponding petroleum product; the percentage increase in that case ranged from 28 per cent. to 31.8 per cent. for the same districts. At the same time the subsidy of 16s. 8d. per ton paid to the producers of creosote-pitch mixture was withdrawn.
§ Colonel ClarkeIs it not unfair that businesses which, at the Minister's request, changed from coal burning to creosote-pitch burning, should now be penalised by the fact that their additional costs are based on a rise in the price of the oil, whereas less patriotic competitors are not penalised?
§ Mr. GaitskellThe hon. and gallant Member will appreciate that we cannot be responsible for all price movements that occur. This price was raised as a result of the increased price of the petroleum product, which is not under our own control.