§ 34. Mr. Alisonasked the Minister of Power what was the operating pithead cost per ton of saleable coal produced, for the eight divisions, respectively, of the National Coal Board, in 1965–66 or the nearest available year.
§ Mr. MarshThe latest annual figures are published in Table 2 of the Board's Annual Accounts of 1964–65.
§ Mr. AlisonIn view of what the Minister has said about his policy towards economic pits, will he arrange that those pits which are economic will be able to sell their coal at that economic price, particularly coal from the Yorkshire coal fields and with special reference to the export of such coal from Immingham and Hull?
§ Mr. MarshWe have already accepted the policy, with a certain amount of disagreement, that there should be differential coal prices in this country. On the other hand, one has to accept that we cannot have too great differences between coal prices in various parts of the country.
§ Mr. ShinwellOn this matter of economic pits, is my right hon. Friend aware that we could make any pit economic in this country if we raised the price of coal?
§ Mr. MarshOne has to take into account cost rather than price in this, and also the social effects. The fact is, as everyone accepts, that there are pits in this country which can provide us with the coal we need and with a coal mining industry which is viable in the interests of the country. There cannot be a future for the coal mining industry on the basis of trying to average up the prices of economic pits to cover those which are. uneconomic.
§ Mr. BarberWill the Minister carry, on with that policy and continue to ignore the advice which he receives from his right hon. and hon. Friends?