HC Deb 30 July 1956 vol 557 cc900-1
14. Mr. R. Bell

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the current annual cost of coal rationing.

Mr. Aubrey Jones

Approximately £1 million.

Mr. Bell

Would not my right hon. Friend take the action which the Answers to these three Questions really indicates to be desirable?

Mr. Jones

I would not admit that the Answers to these three Questions make it clearly desirable to abolish rationing at this stage. I agree that it must be an aim of the Government to abolish coal rationing as soon as they possibly can, but I cannot admit that this moment is yet, and to do it at this juncture might entail the risk of heavy imports, the cost of which would be far greater than the cost of rationing.