§ Mrs. Wiseasked the Secretary of State for Energy what is his estimate of the increase in the labour costs of the National Coal Board by the proposed increase in the employer's share of the national insurance contributions; and whether he expects this to have any effect on coal prices.
§ Mr. BennThe NCB estimates an increase in labour costs in the next financial year of approximately £21 million as a result of the increase in employer's national insurance contributions, but it is too early to say what the effect on coal prices will be.