§ Ms. WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions he has had about the high costs of premium smokeless fuels; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerI have been asked to reply.
The particular prices of domestic coals are a matter for the coal merchants concerned. But in general smokeless fuels are more expensive than bituminous house coals, partly because of their greater calorific value and, in the case of manufactured fuels, partly because considerable processing costs are incurred.