§ 16. Mr. J. Grimondasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will give further consideration to the sale of coal at a uniform price throughout Britain.
§ Mr. Geoffrey LloydNo, Sir.
§ Mr. GrimondDoes not the Minister think that a uniform price is one of the advantages which we might expect from nationalisation; that it would make for a considerable saving in accountancy; and that it would be a factor in encouraging the better distribution of industry throughout Great Britain?
§ Mr. LloydNo, Sir. I appreciate that these reasons can be advanced, but the hon. Gentleman ought also to consider the fact that great industries in this country have grown up near the coalfields and that they rely upon cheap coal.
§ Mr. Hector HughesIf there can be a uniform price for cigarettes, beer and other commodities all over this island, why cannot there be a uniform price for coal? Is the Minister aware that in this respect the North of Scotland is penalised by its geographical position and can he not allow coal to be sold to the people there at the same price as it is sold to people in the South of England?
§ Mr. LloydOne of the principal reasons is that coal weighs very much more and is much more bulky than cigarettes.