Coal and Coke

HC Deb 03 February 1966 vol 723 c1274

33. Mr. Varley

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs if he will refer the distribution and retail coal and coke trade to the National Board for Prices and Incomes for examination.

Mr. George Brown

Not at present.

Mr. Varley

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the retail prices of coal and coke have increased by about 12 per cent. over the last 12 months? Does he appreciate that this is undermining the position which has been maintained by the National Coal Board in stabilising its pithead prices for the last five years? Will he have another look at this?

Mr. Brown

I will have another look at it, but I think that on reflection my hon. Friend will agree that the right time to have another look at it is after we have the report on the reference concerning the National Coal Board.