HC Deb 28 February 1949 vol 462 c5
9. Mr. Oliver

asked the Minister of Supply the average 1948 increase in the price of mining machinery and equipment compared with the prices prevailing in 1938.

Mr. G. R. Strauss

About double.

Mr. Oliver

Is the machinery manufactured by private companies?

Mr. Strauss

Mostly. Of course, there is a whole range and variety of mining machinery, and I am not quite sure to what my hon. Friend is referring.

Mr. Oliver

Are not these increases considerably in excess of any increase which has taken place in the nationalised industries?