§ 12. Mr. A. Robertsasked the Paymaster-General to what extent he considered the cost of stocking coal surplus to requirements in sanctioning the recent increase in the price of coal.
§ The Paymaster-General (Mr. Reginald Maudling)The cost of stocking coal is normally considered by the Board in formulating proposals for price increases, but it is of course very difficult for it to predict exactly the movement of stocks.
§ Mr. RobertsIs the Paymaster-General aware that the National Coal Board is transporting coal many miles to stockpile it? Does he not agree that as this coal is being stored for use by industry the cost should be borne by the industries which use it as well as by the National Coal Board?
§ Mr. MaudlingIn the long run, the whole cost will be borne by the consumer. It cannot be borne by anyone else.