HC Deb 01 March 1954 vol 524 c70W
54. Mr. Osborne

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what increases, per ton, have been made in the price of coal to the consumer since the mines were nationalised; and on what dates.

Mr. Joynson-Hicks

Following is the answer:

Increases in coal prices since 1st January,1947

  1. 1. Information about average increases in delivered prices to consumers is not available.
  2. 2. There have been national increases in pit prices on five occasions since 1st January, 1947:
    • 1st September, 1947․4s. per ton.
    • 1st January, 1948․2s. 6d, per ton.
    • 5th February, 1951․4s. 2d. per ton.
    • 31st December, 1951․5s. per ton (average).
    • 2nd March, 1953․10 per cent, (average about 5s. 6d. per ton).
    There have also been increases in pit prices of fuels of particular classes. For example, the prices of anthracite and dry steam coals were increased on 4th April, 1949, and 8th February, 1954.
  3. 3. Railway freight rates have been increased on six occasions since 1st January, 1947, and there have been consequential increases in prices to consumers varying according to distance from the pits.
  4. 4. Rises in other costs such as sea and road transport and merchants' distribution costs have caused increases of varying amounts according to the type of delivery and the district.