§ 6. Mr. J. H. Osbornasked the Minister of Power what steps he has taken in his consultations on the National Coal Board price structure to ensure that the 11 Central Electricity Generating Board is allowed to compete on level terms with all other potential coal users interested in long-term supplies of cheap coal.
§ 18. Mr. Eadieasked the Minister of Power, in view of the coal stocks in Scotland, whether, in the course of his discussions with the National Coal Board on pricing policies, he will raise the matter of future market trends.
§ Mr. GunterAll important matters bearing on the price structure will be discussed, but I cannot say how long the consultations will take.
§ Mr. OsbornIs it not a fact that Alcan has been offered coal at prices below those available to Seaton Carew and Longannet, and is not this creating an undesirable distortion?
§ Mr. GunterThe C.E.G.B. already receives substantial supplies of cheap coal from the National Coal Board, and the Board is anxious to increase long-term supplies of cheap coal to its biggest customer.
§ Mr. EadieIs my right hon. Friend aware that there is mounting criticism against the selective coal-pricing policy, and, in the light of increased coal stocks, will he not consider doing something, where the Government are concerned, to influence market trends?
§ Mr. GunterThat matter is now under discussion between the Coal Board and myself.