Pricing Policies

HC Deb 28 May 1968 vol 765 c1525

10. Mr. Ridley

asked the Minister of Power what is the result of his consultations with the National Coal Board about its pricing policies.

Mr. Gunter

Consultations are continuing.

Mr. Ridley

Is the Minister aware that it is intolerable if any elements of subsidy or loss-making in the Coal Board's pricing policy should lead to a greater deficit than the £115 million that he has already announced? May we have an undertaking that the right hon. Gentleman will make sure that the Board does not allow prices deliberately to drag it into further deficit?

Mr. Gunter

I do not think that that is the intention of the Board. It may be that I have in my mind the examples of which the hon. Gentleman is thinking. I am satisfied that the Coal Board is conducting its affairs in a proper manner based on commercial principles. I do not think that the hon. Gentleman's fear will arise.