§ 52. Mr. ANDERSONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now in a position to make a fuller statement of policy as to the intention of the Government regarding the supply and price of coal; and to what extent the Government propose to adopt the recommendations of the Departmental Committee?
§ 54. Mr. SNOWDENasked the President of the Board of Trade if any steps have been taken to carry out the recommendations of the Committee on the Retail Prices of Coal; and, if so, what has been done; and will he give an early opportunity for the discussion of this matter in the House?
§ 55. Mr. DUNCAN MILLARasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now in a position to state the steps which are being taken to carry out the recommendations of the Committee appointed by him on the subject of the retail price of coal; and whether any of the recommendations of the Committee have vet been given effect to?
Mr. RUNCIMANI am in communication with the London County Council regarding the Committee's recommendation in favour of the accumulation of a stock of coal in London. The rates of freight on the interned steamships have been largely reduced. The recommendation regarding the utilisation of prize ships has been brought to the notice of the Prizes Disposal Committee. The recommendation in favour of restricting the export of coal to neutral countries raises very difficult questions which are now receiving my careful consideration. I expect to be able to announce the decision very shortly.
§ Mr. HOGGEWill my right hon. Friend say why the Government's decision to accumulate coal is confined to London?
§ Sir A. MARKHAMWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether or not it is the intention of the Government to fix a maximum price for coal, seeing, in spite of the high prices, they have done nothing for the last three months?