§ 112. Mr. D. Marshallasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is aware that the increase by 25s. per ton of bunker coal from 1st January, 1948, will have serious consequences on the operation of trawler fleets and will adversely affect the production of sea food; and if he consulted the fishing industry prior to his decision.
§ 113. Mr. E. Evansasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether before raising the price of bunker coal to the fishing industry he consulted the Minister of Food and the Minister of Agriculture on the serious effect this decision will have on the supply of fish.
§ Mr. GaitskellThe Government regard the prices to be charged for export and bunker coals as a matter for determination by the National Coal Board in the374W light of commercial considerations. Accordingly, with the resumption of overseas shipments on an appreciable scale, the Government have, so far as export and bunker prices are concerned, released the Board from the undertaking which they voluntarily gave at the vesting date, not to raise the general level of prices without the agreement of the Minister of Fuel and Power.
§ Mr. E. Evansasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware of the consternation caused in the fishing industry by the sudden announcement that bunker coal is to be increased by 25s. per ton as from 1st January next; whether he has had consultations with the industry before coming to this decision; and whether he is aware of the grave effect this increase in cost will have on the production of a vital food.
§ Mr. GaitskellI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave him earlier today in answer to a similar question.