HC Deb 13 March 1950 vol 472 c19W
18. Mrs. Mann

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will now reduce the price of coal that is unscreened and unwashed.

Mr. Noel-Baker

The retail prices of coal are based on the pithead prices charged by the National Coal Board plus the cost of distribution. Since the vesting date, the Board have been considering how to revise the prices so that they will reflect more closely the respective values of different grades of coal to the consumers. The Board have already made some important interim changes including some large reductions in the prices of inferior grades.