§ 16. Mr. T. WILLIAMSasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has considered the representation made to him concerning the price of crude tar charged by the Scarborough Gas Company to road makers and repairers; and, if so, will he state what action he has taken?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI have received a communication regarding the price charged by the Scarborough Gas Com- 848 pany to tradesmen for tar. Tar prices in general have increased since 1931, when extremely low prices were ruling. Under the systems of controlling the dividends of statutory gas companies any profit made from tar or other residuals are allocated to the companies' general revenue from which increased dividends may be paid only as gas prices are reduced.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Scarborough Gas Company, between October, 1931, and March, 1932, have increased the price of crude tar from £2 5s. to £3 10s., and is he also aware that the same gas company have a Bill before this House in which they are asking for permission to dispose of £15,000 of surplus profits over and above their normal dividends? What action does he propose to take?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI cannot undertake to debate a Private Bill at Question Time.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSThe right hon. Gentleman must be aware—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member is making a speech.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSOn a point of Order. In view of the fact that this commodity is a raw material, has not the right hon. Gentleman some responsibility to see that the price of the raw material is not excessive?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member has had his answer.