§ 111. Sir J. Mellorasked the Minister of Fuel and Power why the quarterly statistical statement of the costs of production, proceeds and profits of the coal-mining industry for the first quarter of 1947 has not yet been presented to Parliament.
§ Mr. RobensIt has been customary to present to Parliament the quarterly246W statistical statements of the coal-mining industry from six to eight months after the end of the quarter to which they relate. The figures were based on returns made for the purpose of wage ascertainments in each wage district and excluded costs not admissible as charges for that purpose. It is necessary for the National Coal Board to include all costs of coal production in the statement, and consideration of this and other changes resulting from the nationalisation of the industry has caused the delay to which the hon. Member refers.