§ 16. Mr. Liptonasked the Minister of Power whether, in view of the high price of coke sold in 28 lb. bags, he will take powers to control the price of coke sold in this way.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Power (Mr. J. C. George)No, Sir. Coke prices, like those of other fuels, are best settled by competition between sellers.
§ Mr. LiptonIs not that a rather ridiculous reply which makes even the hon. Gentleman himself smile? Does not he realise that, even allowing for the extra cost of packing, the cost works out at the moment at £22 a ton and that many old-age pensioners, especially in London and in smokeless zones, cannot buy their fuels in another way because they have no storage facilities? In any event, why should coke cost so much more than coal?
§ Mr. GeorgeIt is understood that Sebrite, the open-fire gas coke made by the South-Eastern Gas Board, is sold in south London at 3s. 8d. a 28 lb. bag—that is, 14s. 8d. a cwt., compared with the normal cwt. price of 11s. 6d.
§ Mr. LiptonIt is still far too much.