HC Deb 12 February 1951 vol 484 cc5-6
6. Mr. Osborne

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what was the average cost per ton of getting opencast coal for 1950, including depreciation of machinery and the cost of replacing land.

Mr. Robens

The estimated total cost of getting opencast coal in 1950 was approximately 43s. 0d. a ton, including the appropriate provision for the depreciation of the machinery used and for the restoration of the land.

Mr. Osborne

Could the hon. Gentleman tell us, approximately, what was the maximum cost in the worst places where the coal has been worked?

Mr. Robens

Not without notice. It would vary from site to site of course.