HC Deb 23 March 1953 vol 513 c464
4. Mr. Beswick

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

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

The average increase in rail freight rates since January, 1946, has been 97 per cent. The income and expenditure of the British Transport Commission have been affected by a variety of factors during that time and it is not possible to determine the exact effect of any one factor on the level of charges, but the price of coal to the railways has increased by 60 per cent. since January, 1946, and by 275 per cent. since 1939.

Mr. Beswick

As each increase in freight rates has been partly accounted for by a percentage increase in the price of coal, it ought to be possible to give the average percentage. Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that in the interaction between increased freight charges and increased coal charges there is an intolerably vicious circle which has got tighter in the last 18 months? What does the Minister propose to do to break it?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I do not think it has got tighter, but I think these facts do show that …we are members one of another.

Mr. Nabarro

Is not this fratricidal strife due to the incompetence of the industries which the hon. Member for Uxbridge (Mr. Beswick) and his hon. Friends so unwisely nationalised?

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