§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the expected yield to the National Coal Board of a 48 per cent. increase in coal prices in the Midland fields and 28 per cent. elsewhere to industrial users; and what differential remains between coal and oil prices to industrial consumers on the assumption that crude oil is available at (a) $7 a barrel, (b) $8, and (c) $10.
§ Mr. EadieThe increase in the prices of coal to industrial users recently announced by the NCB are expected to yield £270 million in a full year. With these increases the average delivered price of power station coal will be equivalent to 4.3p a therm and the price for coal delivered to other industrial users will be equivalent to 5p a therm.
The main oil product used by industrial consumers is fuel oil. As a residual product, its price is not necessarily proportional to the cost of crude oil. It is normally agreed between the supplier and the consumer and depends upon the type of fuel, location of supplier and consumer, volume bought, method of delivery and other relevant considerations.
§ Mr. Sillarsasked the Secretary of State for Energy what proposals he has for abolishing the surcharge on coal produced in Scotland.
§ Mr. EadieNCB's pricing in individual coalfields has reflected the costs of production. The recently announced price increases in industrial coals will bear more 3W heavily on coal from Yorkshire and Midlands and have substantially diminished pricing differentials.
§ Mr. Rostasked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the estimated cost to industry of the proposed increase in coal prices.
§ Mr. EadieThe average increase in industrial coal price is £3.10 a ton. NCB disposals to this market were 10.3 million tons during 1973. Thus an eventual increase in cost of just under £32 million a year might be expected.