§ Mr. Tinkerasked the Minister of Fuel and Power the number of tons of coal got from open coalmining for 1942 and the average cost per ton delivered to the consumers; and what is the prospect for 1943?
§ Mr. T. SmithThe output of coal from the Ministry's open-cast workings for the year ended 31st December, 1942, was roughly 1,300,000 tons. The cost of this coal delivered to consumers varies greatly and an average price cannot be given; but the price charged corresponds with the price for comparable mined coal from pits in the neighbourhood of the workings. It is anticipated that the output for the year ended 31st December, 1943, will exceed 3,000,000 tons.