HC Deb 23 March 1953 vol 513 c482
41. Mr. Beswick

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the average increase of the price of coal since January, 1946; and what proportion of that increase is estimated to be attributable to increased freight charges.

The Minister of Fuel and Power (Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd)

I regret that information about average delivered prices is not available.

Mr. Beswick

Is the Minister aware that a considerable proportion of the increase in the price of coal, on his own evidence, is due to the increase in freight charges? Earlier in the afternoon the Minister of Transport said that a considerable proportion of the increased freight charges was due to the increase in the price of coal. Can the Minister say whether he has more constructive proposals to make to break this vicious circle than had his colleague?