§ 27. Mr. Boxasked the Minister of Power whether, in regard to future wage 271 negotiations with National Coal Board employees he will, in the public interest, give a general direction to the National Coal Board to take into account the present high cost of concessionary coal and to make a suitable adjustment in wage rates so as to allow and compensate for the cancellation of this concession.
§ Mr. John MorrisNo, Sir.
§ Mr. BoxIs the hon. Gentleman aware that concessionary coal, issued either in kind or in cash in lieu, tax-free, now amounts to a value of £50 million a year? As it is issued to administrative grades up to the level of area chairmen, in addition to miners, does he not agree that it is now time, in the light of the Government's attack on tax-free allowances, for the position to be looked into, and an adjustment made in salary rates so as to allow for the giving up of concessionary coal?
§ Mr. MorrisWhilst I appreciate the hon. Gentleman's continued interest in the welfare of miners, I think that he must show some sense of reality about this matter, in that, first, terms and conditions of employment are matters for settlement between boards and the unions; secondly, these concessions are made under longstanding agreements, many dating back to pre-nationalisation days, and relate to employees and certain dependants and pensioners; thirdly, here, as in other industries, fringe benefits like luncheon vouchers, pension schemes and special housing are relevant factors in wage negotiations.