HC Deb 21 September 1915 vol 74 cc316-7
78. Mr. COWAN

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the average price paid by the Admiralty for South Wales large coal from 4th August to 31st December, 1914; and what are the prices at which contracts for the same class of coal have been made since the latter date?

Dr. MACNAMARA

The prices paid for Welsh coal are, in accordance with the usual procedure, treated as confidential. I think it would be undesirable to depart from this practice, but, in view of the discussion which took place on the Third Reading of the Price of Coal Limitation Act on 27th July, I think it desirable to say that the prices now being paid represent a reduction on those paid earlier in the year. They are not, I think, unreasonable, and certainly we shall use every effort to continue to secure prices favourable alike to our Allies and to ourselves.

Mr. COWAN

I beg to give notice that I shall repeat this question at the close of the War.

Mr. W. THORNE

Would there be any danger in giving the percentages of increase over and above the 1914 prices?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I said decrease.

Mr. THORNE

Yes, certainly; but I referred to the percentages over and above the 1914 prices.

Dr. MACNAMARA

I will consider that.