§ 28. Mr. Alisonasked the Minister of Power whether, in the light of Her Majesty's Government's call for a standstill on prices and services and for a standstill on wages, he will issue a general direction to the National Coal Board, in the national interest, to extend the present period of reduced summer coal prices for the period of the standstill.
§ Dr. BrayNo, Sir. The summer reduction in prices, which applies only to coal for the domestic market, is a deliberate discount on normal prices to encourage stocking.
§ Mr. AlisonBut is not the hon. Gentleman aware that it is precisely for the domestic consumer that we should temper the wind to the shorn lamb? Is he aware that the pay freeze which the Prime Minister has announced is not to be matched by a price freeze because of the Government's own measures? Will he take steps to see that the price of coal is kept low for people on low fixed incomes?
§ Dr. BrayEvery endeavour is made to keep the price of coal low and the summer prices are deliberately reduced in order to encourage people to build up stocks. This is quite a different matter from a normal price increase.
§ Mr. EadieIs my hon. Friend aware that he would make a great contribution to price stability in Scotland if he were to reduce the selective coal price increase in Scotland?
§ Dr. BrayThe differentiation between coal prices in various parts of the country reflects differences in production costs. The Government have taken the view that prices should correctly represent costs and the way in which we can secure cheaper coal prices in Scotland is to reduce the relative cost of production there. Every effort is being made to that end.