HC Deb 13 November 1947 vol 444 cc540-1
33. Mr. Osborne

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what was the cost of saleable coal at the pit head prior to the introduction of the five-day week; and what is the cost for the period following for which figures are now available.

Mr. Gaitskell

Figures relating to costs of production, proceeds and profits since the beginning of the year are not yet available, but these particulars will be published quarterly by the National Coal Board in substantially the same form as hitherto published by my Department. The National Coal Board announced in August that they estimated the net additional cost resulting from the five-day week at 2s. (d. per ton.

Mr. Osborne

From the figures already sent to him, can the right hon. Gentleman deny the report that in certain pits already one pound is being lost on the coal being produced?

Mr. Gaitskell

I am afraid I have no information on this at present.