HC Deb 20 November 1947 vol 444 cc1315-6
26 and 27. Mr. Osborne

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power (1) what is the pit head cost of saleable coal for the eight divisions of the National Coal Board for the six months ended 30th June; and what profit or loss per ton has been made in each division;

(2) what is the cost per ton at the pit head of saleable coal raised for the northern division for the six months ending 30th June, 1947; and what were the comparative costs for Northumberland, Durham and Cumberland, separately, for the six months' period to 30th June, 1946.

The Minister of Fuel and Power (Mr. Gaitskell)

With the hon. Member's permission, I will answer this Question and No. 27 together by referring him to the reply I gave him on 13th November.

Mr. Osborne

Does that mean that the Minister has not the information, or that he has the information and will not publish it? If it is the second, why is he afraid to give the public the information?

Mr. Gaitskell

No, Sir, I have not got the information, but it will all be published in due course.