§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy, following the settlement of the miners' dispute and the losses incurred by the National Coal Board in recent months due to both the national strike and the short-time working, what percentage increase in coal prices would be required to (a) the Central Electricity Generating Board, (b) other industrial consumers and (c) domestic consumers, to offset the National Coal Board's additional financial losses.
§ Mr. EadieMost of the cost of the industrial action will fall in the financial year 1973–74. My right hon. Friend has announced that special provision will be made to write off the deficit of about £150 million incurred by the NCB.
Increases in the price of industrial coal of 48 per cent. from the Midland fields and 28 per cent. from other fields were announced by the NCB on 11th March. No decision has been taken on domestic coal prices.
§ Mr. Pardoeasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will estimate what effect the increase in miners' pay will 2W have on the retail price of coal and the price of electricity.
§ Mr. EadieThe National Union of Mineworkers pay settlement is only one factor to be taken into account in establishing domestic fuel prices. No decision has been taken on the price of domestic coal or electricity.