§ Mr. Sharpasked the Minister of Fuel and Power what is the present price in the West Riding of Yorkshire of pitch used by some industrial firms for power production; what was the price six months ago; what are the reasons for the substantial increase; and whether all available supplies can be sold at the new price.
§ Mr. GaitskellThe maximum price at which liquid pitch is delivered to firms in the West Riding of Yorkshire was agreed between the suppliers and this Ministry at 119s. per ton. There was no agreed maximum price six months ago, and I regret that information on pitch prices at that time is not available. They were the subject of agreement between individual producers and consumers. The new maximum price is based on the calorific value of liquid pitch by comparison with that of competitive liquid fuels in the prices of which there have recently been appreciable increases and I may add that it is appreciably less than the prices ruling in export markets. The answer to the last part of the Question is, "Yes."