HC Deb 07 July 1948 vol 453 cc353-4
21. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how much coal is to be flown to Berlin; and what is the estimated cost per ton.

Mr. Mayhew

Information as to the amount of coal to be flown to Berlin is not available. The cost of flying a ton of coal to Berlin would vary according to the type of aircraft used. If these were R.A.F. Dakotas, the cost per ton would be about £15.

Mr. Hughes

Is the Minister satisfied that this is an economic proposition; and does he not think the overhead charges are rather high?

Mr. Mayhew

It is certainly expensive, and we should be very happy to send the coal by train.

Mr. Hughes

Will the Minister assure us that he is not going to send building material in the same way?

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