§ 40. Mr. Osborneasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he has considered a resolution sent to him from the Chamber of Shipping of the United Kingdom, deploring the recent increase in price in bunker coal and the continued rise in the price of oil fuel; and what steps he proposes to take as a consequence.
§ Mr. GaitskellYes, Sir. As I have stated on a previous occasion the Government regard the price of bunker coal as 1411 a matter for determination by the National Coal Board in the light of commercial considerations. The price of oil fuel has risen because of a general increase in world oil prices over which I have no control.
§ Mr. OsborneWill the Minister bear in mind that the cost of transport enters into our export costs, and if he can keep down the cost of bunker coal it will help us?
§ Mr. GaitskellI appreciate the point.
§ Mr. AsshetonCan the right hon. Gentleman tell the House how many times the cost of bunker coal has risen since before the war?
§ Mr. GaitskellNot without notice.