§ 3. Mr. Eadieasked the Minister of Power how many coal pits or mines were 1465 sunk post-war in Scotland, England and Wales; and what are the capital charges for each country.
§ Mr. FreesonMajor sinkings have been: Scotland 14, England 15 and Wales 6, costing respectively £75 million, £91 million and £30 million. Capital charges on colliery activities for the financial year ended March, 1968, were: Scotland £8 million, England £59 million, Wales £9 million.
§ Mr. EadieIs my hon. Friend aware that, although we in Scotland appreciate the new capital investment that has been made, there is a feeling and belief that, with the operation of capital charges and the like, this is the thinking and motive behind the operation of differential coal price policy, which is grossly to the disadvantage of Scotland?
§ Mr. FreesonI am afraid that I do not quite follow my hon. Friend's observations. The position is that there has been a balance, if anything, in favour of Scotland in capital investment in the industry—14 sinkings in Scotland, 15 in England and 6 in Wales. Pricing policy reflects, as far as possible, the costs of production in the different areas concerned.