HC Deb 30 July 1956 vol 557 c895
15. Mr. A. Roberts

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether, in view of the expenditure falling upon the National Coal Board in consequence of the importation of coal, he will undertake to promote increased consumption of oil in industry.

The Minister of Fuel and Power (Mr. Aubrey Jones)

The extra cost of supplying imported coal is reflected in coal prices. This, with other factors, has already resulted in a considerable expansion of oil consumption.

Mr. Roberts

Does the Minister realise that the loss on imported coal is causing some lack of inducement in the mining industry, and will he take steps to see whether this burden cannot be eased in the near future?

Mr. Jones

I should have thought that the loss on imported coal constitutes a most effective inducement to everyone in the coal mining industry to endeavour to improve output.

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