HC Deb 19 March 1951 vol 485 c2084
34. Mr. Russell

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power why the price of coke has been increased by 6s. 3d. per ton while that of coal has been increased by only 4s. 2d. per ton.

Mr. P. Noel-Baker

An addition of 4s. 2d. a ton to the price of coal increases the costs of producing coke by not less than 6s. 3d. a ton.

Mr. Russell

Do not the gas companies make some profit out of the by-products in the manufacture of coke, and does this not offset, to some extent, the increase in price?

Mr. Noel-Baker

The main by-product is gas, the price of which is fixed mostly by long-term contracts.