HC Deb 05 December 1912 vol 44 cc2479-80
50. Mr. KEIR HARDIE

asked the Prime Minister whether the South Wales mine-owners have this week advanced the price of house coal by 2s. per ton, thereby bringing the price up to 26s. and 27s. per ton for best qualities; whether he can state the reasons for this increase in price; and whether, as the price of coal is inflicting hardship upon the poor and on the working class generally during the severity of the wintry weather, he proposes to introduce legislation to end this state of affairs, preferably by nationalising the mines and by empowering municipal authorities to undertake the supply of coal to their citizens?

Mr. ROBERTSON

The Prime Minister has asked the President of the Board of Trade to reply to this question. My right hon. Friend cannot hold out any prospect of legislation for the purpose of regulating the price of coal.

Mr. KEIR HARDIE

Are we to understand that the public of South Wales and elsewhere are not to be protected against this form of robbery?

Mr. ROBERTSON

I am afraid I am unable to suggest a remedy.