§ 33. Captain John Crowderasked the Minister of Fuel and Power what percentage of coal was transported from the colliery to the consumer by rail and by sea, respectively, in 1939, and in 1945; and what is the percentage transported by these respective means at the present time.
§ Mr. GaitskellInformation is not available for 1939, but in 1945, 11 per cent. of total disposals of coal to inland consumers was carried by sea and 61 per cent. by rail. In 1947, the proportions were 13 per cent. and 61 per cent., respectively.
§ Captain CrowderCan the Minister say why the Government seem to discourage the coastal trade so much, and can he do something to see that more coal is transported by sea, as it is obviously cheaper and much more satisfactory in every way?
§ Mr. GaitskellI could not agree that the Government have in any way discouraged the transport of coal by sea, but if the hon. and gallant Member is interested in transport by sea, perhaps he will put down a Question on that subject to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport.