§ 68. Mr. Shinwellasked the Minister of Technology what advice he received from the National Coal Board that their forecasts of productivity estimated in 1968 would require revision, and that coal prices would be increased.
Mr. Alan WilliamsMy right hon. Friend received the same advice as was subsequently given to the National Board for Prices and Incomes, as since reported in N.B.P.I. Report No. 138.
§ 69. Mr. Shinwellasked the Minister of Technology whether he has estimated the effect of an increase of coal prices on the electricity supply industry, the Gas Council, and on other industries and services; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. Alan WilliamsThe effects will depend not only on the proportion of an industry's total costs which the increased cost of coal represents but also on its capacity to absorb this.