§ 25. Mr. Crouchasked the Minister of Fuel and Power what quantity of concessionary coal is allowed to clerks and shorthand typists employed by the National Coal Board.
§ 24. Mr. Osborneasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will give an estimate, based on Tables 41 and 47 of his Statistical Digest, of the approximate quantity and value of the free coal received by the individual coal miner per annum.
§ Mr. Aubrey JonesI am informed that those in receipt of free coal or coal at concessionary prices get on average about 8 tons a year, worth about £27 at pithead prices. Responsibility for determining the categories of persons entitled to this coal rests with the National Coal Board.
§ Mr. CrouchCan my right hon. Friend say how long this practice has been in existence? I accept that the men working at the face should get concessionary coal, but why should the practice be extended to other employees, placing a charge on the ordinary consumer?
§ Mr. J. GriffithsIs the Minister aware that this has been a matter settled with wage rates for well over a century?
§ Mr. BlytonIs the Minister aware that concessionary coal is part of the wages of 816 the men, and that to interfere with it would cause much trouble?
§ Mr. JonesI am so aware, and I hope my answer indicated that I do not consider that this is a matter requiring Ministerial interference.