HC Deb 26 June 1972 vol 839 cc225-6W
52 and 69. Mr. J. H. Osborn

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry

  1. (1) if he will list in the OFFICIAL REPORT each occasion over the last five years on which there has been a wage settlement in the coal industry, the percentage increase and the average wage paid resulting from this, and the date on which there has been an adjustment in the price of coal to meet this wage increase, giving the percentage charge and the average price of pit head coal resulting from this;
  2. (2) what is now the average pit head price of the main grades of coal, and the consequent cost to the consumer; and on which dates this price has changed over the past 18 months, indicating by how much and from what figure relating this where appropriate to major wage settlements.

Mr. Tom Boardman

Many factors enter into the extent and timing of price increases, of which wage increases, although important, are only one. However, I am asking the Chairman of the National Coal Board to write to my hon. Friend giving details of wage settlements and price increases in the coal industry over the relevant periods.