§ 28. Mr. Hamiltonasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will again set up a committee of investigation to inquire into the sale of coal to private industry at prices below the cost of production.
§ Mr. Geoffrey LloydNo, Sir. Nor can I accept the implication that the National Coal Board discriminate between classes of consumer.
§ Mr. HamiltonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a great deal of disquiet in coalfields about this question and that many of the miners are convinced that private industry, particularly the steel industry, is getting its coal at less than the economic price? If that is the case, will the Minister give an assurance that he will look into the matter and put it right in order that nationalised industry is not in the position of having to subsidise private industry?
§ Mr. LloydThe principles of pricing applied to coal for the steel industry are exactly the same as those applied to the coal supplied to the Central Electricity Authority, and I hope the hon. Gentleman will disabuse the miners of their mistaken belief.
§ Mr. NabarroWould my right hon. Friend confirm that the principal element in respect of subsidy to all classes of consumers of coal is in respect of the large accumulated losses of the National Coal Board, and that is a taxpayers' subsidy?