HC Deb 15 July 1957 vol 573 cc745-6
3. Mr. Gresham Cooke

asked the Paymaster-General what is his estimate, on the basis of figures supplied to him for the Ministry of Power Statistical Digest, of the present approximate consumption of coal per annum in respect of the free allowance to miners, together with the value thereof.

Mr. Maudling

Two million tons in 1956 worth about £9 million. In addition, about 3 million tons, worth about £13½ million, were supplied at concessionary prices.

Mr. Gresham Cooke

As every time the price of coal goes up the miners are, in effect, getting an increase in wages—that is, the miners who have free coal—and in view of the public feeling on this matter—[HON. MEMBERS: "Where?"]—has not the time arrived for the issue of free coal to miners to be reviewed, and would not my right hon. Friend issue a directive to the National Coal Board that, since the value of the free coal is £23 million a year, the total amount of free coal issued should not exceed £23 million a year for the future?

Mr. Maudling

The figures show that the free coal is worth £9 million a year and that £13½ million worth is supplied at concessionary prices. It is, of course, quite true that when the retail price of coal rises the value of this concessionary coal goes up, but really all this is part and parcel of the general wages negotiations, and it would be quite wrong for my noble Friend to interfere with wage negotiations.

Mr. T. Williams

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that if the hon. Member for Twickenham (Mr. Gresham Cooke) had his way he would create more industrial strife, secure a much lower output of coal and land the nation in an infinitely worse position than it is in now? Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us how many free miles are driven in motor cars supplied by the motor car manufacturers to their employees to enable them to do their jobs effectively?

Mr. Maudling

I do not think that that was at all the purpose or the effect of my hon. Friend's Question. In view of the great public interest which is taken in this matter, it is right that these questions should be asked and answered.

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