HC Deb 16 April 1956 vol 551 cc657-8
9 and 10. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power (1) if he is aware of the scarcity and high price of coal in the city of Aberdeen; and what steps he is taking to satisfy and solve the inconvenience and losses which are thereby imposed on the citizens of that city;

(2) how many protests he has received from the North of Scotland about the shortage and high price of fuel there; and what steps he is taking to solve the industrial and domestic problems caused thereby.

Mr. Renton

My right hon. Friend has had no recent complaints from this area. The price of coal in Aberdeen and the North of Scotland is determined on the same principles as in the rest of Great Britain and, in fact, house coal there is cheaper than in London. As to the supply position in Aberdeen, I am making further inquiries and will write to the hon. and learned Member.

Mr. Hughes

Does the Minister remember that in answer to the previous Question he said that the climate in the North is wetter than it is here? Does he also realise that the geographical conditions make it necessary to have a full supply of coal there? What steps are being taken to see that Aberdeen gets it?

Mr. Renton

Aberdeen, of course, comes within the Northern region of the country for the purpose of house coal allocations and has an appreciably higher allocation than the South for that reason. On the question of price, the hon. and learned Gentleman cannot overlook the hard facts of geography.

Mr. Beswick

Can the Minister explain why it is that the price of coal in Aberdeen is less than in London? Is it due to the representations of my hon. and learned Friend?

Mr. Renton

No, Sir.

Mr. Hughes

I am disappointed.

Mr. Renton

This is a matter which cannot be answered easily at Question Time because so many factors have to be taken into consideration. The house coal prices and grades are determined by the Coal Board in the light of consultation with the distributive trade, and so far as Aberdeen is concerned I understand that the system has worked well for some time.