§ 106. Sir W. Smithersasked the Minister of Fuel and Power why miners are entitled to about 10 tons. 8 cwt. of coal per annum, at a cost of about £10, while the ordinary consumer gets about 2 tons 10 cwt. at a similar charge.
§ Mr. GaitskellIn the majority of coalfields miners who are householders are and have been for many years entitled to allowances of coal free or at concessionary rates under their contracts of service. The quantities so supplied are within limits set out in various collective district agreements made between the previous owners and the men's representatives and are among the thousands of other collective agreements governing terms and conditions of employment at the vesting date which the National Coal Board agreed with the unions concerned to honour as though the Board had been a party to them. These allowances are thus part of the wage structure of the industry and are in no way comparable either from the 373W point of view of quantity, or price with supplies of coal to domestic consumers generally.