HC Deb 02 March 1959 vol 601 c12W
77. Mr. Holt

asked the Paymaster-General if he will give a general direction to the National Coal Board to cut its prices in order to stimulate demand and reduce surplus stocks.

Sir I. Horobin

No. Such matters are primarily for the commercial judgment of the National Coal Board which is well aware of the need to sell at competitive prices. But the question the Board has to consider is whether further general price reductions would increase demand sufficiently to offset a fall in total proceeds.