HC Deb 25 November 1948 vol 458 cc1396-7
34. Sir Waldron Smithers

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will now state the cost of valuation and arbitration proceedings incidental to the transfer of the coal industry from private to public ownership.

Mr. Gaitskell

The work of valuation is not sufficiently advanced for any estimate of the total cost to be more than conjectural, but the published estimates for 1948–49, include £2,500,000 for these costs and a similar amount will be required in 1949–50.

Sir W. Smithers

May I ask the Minister why it was necessary to waste this public money to get inferior coal at a higher price, and how much more money is to be spent on these lines?

Mr. Gaitskell

If the hon. Member is suggesting that the method of compensation in the case of gas and electricity and steel is superior to that adopted in the case of coal, I would not disagree with him. As regards the total cost involved, I have already said that it is not possible at this stage to say how much that will be.

Sir Frank Sanderson

Can the Minister give an indication when he anticipates that the valuation will be completed?

Mr. Gaitskell

Not for another two or three years.