HC Deb 28 June 1954 vol 529 cc878-9
12. Sir W. Smithers

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how many times, and by how much, he has authorised increases in tae price of house coal since nationalisation; and the aggregate of such increases per ton, average.

Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd

Since nationalisation there have been 11 national increases, which together with adjustments for local distribution costs amount to some 44s. a ton on average.

Sir W. Smithers

Is it not clear to the Minister that all these Questions and answers today prove the disastrous effects of nationalisation?

Mr. H. White

Is the Minister aware that one of the largest increases which took place was on account of the miners having a two weeks' holiday, which has been due to them for many years and which they have only just received?

13. Mr. Hamilton

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power under what conditions coal merchants in the South of England are prepared to meet orders placed between 3rd May and 31st August at the price ruling at the date of order; and whether he will seek to secure the operation of a similar scheme in other parts of the United Kingdom.

Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd

The trade's conditions are that householders should not make special stipulations about date of delivery or precise quality, and that the coal is delivered by 31st October. There is no need for such arrangements in the North, where the same summer prices apply to all deliveries made between 3rd May and 31st October.