§ 41. Mr. Milneasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if, in his informal consultations with the coal industry, he will raise the question of lowering the price of domestic coal in relation to the overall fuel pricing policy of the National Coal Board.
§ Mr. RidleyThese consultations are confidential but I shall bear the hon. Member's suggestion in mind.
§ Mr. MilneIs the hon. Gentleman aware that there is too great a disparity between domestic coal prices and prices charged to industrial consumers? As price inflation is bearing most harshly on people in the lower income groups, will he take up this matter with the National Coal Board with a view to getting domestic fuel prices lower than they are?
§ Mr. RidleyWe are discussing this matter with the Coal Board. However, there is some doubt whether domestic prices are subsidising industrial coal prices and I should not like to confirm or deny that statement until we have been able to go into the matter more closely.
§ Mr. SkinnerIs not the hon. Gentleman aware that only a fortnight ago there was a Prices and Incomes Board Report specifically about coal prices and coal miners' wages which supported my hon. Friend's view that domestic coal prices are largely subsidising industrial undertakings?
§ Mr. RidleyI know that it sounds a terrible thing to do, but I reserve the right to disagree with the National Board for Prices and Incomes, if necessary.