HC Deb 16 November 1953 vol 520 cc1399-400
51. Mr. Jay

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what discussions he has now had with the National Coal Board on the desirability of raising nearer to the economic level the price of coking coal sold to the iron and steel and other manufacturing industries.

Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd

I would refer the right hon. Gentleman to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Chester-le-Street (Mr. Bartley) on 9th November.

Mr. Jay

Does the Minister think it right that coal should be sold to the steel industry at less than the economic price? Is there any reason why the profit of the private steel companies should be subsidised out of miners' wages?

Sir H. Williams

On a point of order. Is this not a question of the day-to-day working of the Coal Board?

Mr. Speaker

The Minister indicated that he would look into it, so I felt bound to permit the Question.

Mr. Lloyd

I should not like to express an opinion on that point while the Coal Board are conducting their survey.