§ Captain Kerbyasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is aware that, whilst concessionary coal has become regarded as a traditional perquisite of miners, governed by certain individual arrangements between former colliery owners and their employees, such private arrangements were made before nationalisation and at a time when everyone was free to buy unlimited coal; if he is further aware that, today, ordinary citizens are restricted as to the amount of coal they can buy on their ration; and if he will, therefore, give a general direction to the National Coal Board to end forthwith the provision of concessionary coal to one section of the community at the expense of the national interest and the community at large.
§ Mr. Aubrey JonesIn the coal industry changes in wages, including allowances of concessionary coal, are made by agreement between the parties or, in default of agreement, by an independent umpire or tribunal over which I have no control, but I am sure that the considerations adduced in the Question will continue to be borne in mind by those concerned with wages negotiations in the industry.