HC Deb 26 March 1953 vol 513 cc95-6W
50. Mr. Beswick

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that, while the Minister of Transport accepts the fact that the increases in freight rates are partly due to increases in the price of coal and the Minister of Fuel and Power similarly accepts the fact that the increases in the delivered price of coal is affected by the increase of freight rates, neither Minister is able to make any constructive proposals for breaking this inflationary spiral; and what steps he proposes to meet this position.

The Prime Minister

Coal represents only about one-tenth of railway operating costs. The upward trend of prices can only be reversed by the level of productivity being raised in coal, as in other industries. We are trying our best, with the aid and through the joint efforts of the National Coal Board and the National Union of Mineworkers. to bring about such developments.