§ 43. Sir J. D. REESasked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the present price of coal, some of the Acts of Parliament which have in recent years so largely added to the cost of production, such as for instance the Mines (Eight Hours) Act, will temporarily or permanently be amended, suspended, or repealed?
§ Mr. McKENNAI would refer the hon. Member to the full answer which I gave on the 15th February to the hon. Member for Aston Manor. I will send the hon. Gentleman a copy.
§ Sir J. D. REESHas the right hon. Gentleman seen the speech of Mr. D. A. Thomas, the gentleman who used to sit 789 behind him, in which he says that this legislation is the largest factor in the high price of coal?
§ Mr. McKENNANo, Sir.
§ Sir J. D. REESWill the right hon. Gentleman look at the speech?
§ Mr. McKENNAIf the hon. Gentleman will send me a copy I shall be glad to do it.
§ 57. Mr. ANEURIN WILLIAMSasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that, while other parts of the country are suffering from insufficient supplies of coal at very high prices, many collieries of Durham and Northumberland are still working short time solely for want of sufficient trucks and steamships to transport the coal; and what further steps, if any, the Government have taken to deal with this deficiency since the 11th February?
Mr. RUNCIMANThe Prime Minister has asked me to answer this question. I am aware that coal miners in Durham and Northumberland have not been so fully employed as last year, and this is presumably due in part to interference with foreign markets owing to the War. So far as coastwise coal carrying is concerned all the available interned enemy steamers are now being utilised. If my hon. Friend will give me particulars of any specific complains of shortage of wagons I will see that it is at once considered.