HC Deb 23 November 1953 vol 521 cc16-7
25. Miss Burton

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power why coke has not been available at reduced summer prices in 1953; and if he will consider such a reduction in 1954.

Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd

No, Sir. The circumstances of coke production and storage are quite different from those of coal.

Miss Burton

Is the Minister aware that I raised the question because in many cities, certainly in Coventry, there are new housing estates where people have to burn coke? They have no more money than the people who burn any other fuel. In these circumstances would the right hon. Gentleman look at the matter again next summer?

Mr. Lloyd

One of the principal reasons for the summer prices scheme, which is primarily a trade scheme, is to get over the difficulty that the main centres of the output of coal are so far from many of the consuming centres. In the case of coke, it is different, because coke is normally produced locally in those centres.