HC Deb 06 January 1916 vol 77 cc1087-8
23. Mr. BYRNE

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the continued increase in the price of coal, and whether he will take steps to fix a standard price for the same?

Mr. PRETYMAN

Pithead prices of coal for consumption in the United Kingdom are (except in the case of coal raised in Ireland) restricted by the Price of Coal (Limitation) Act. In view of the differences in the cost of conveyance between the pits and the localities where the coal is consumed, no "standard" prices can be fixed for the whole country, and the determination of reasonable retail prices is a question which can, I think, best be dealt with by arrangements between local authorities and the merchants in their districts, as has already been done in a number of cases.

Mr. BYRNE

Will the local authorities have power to fix the prices?

Mr. PRETYMAN

No, Sir; the local authorities have no power to actually fix the prices, but they can negotiate with the local coal merchants to arrange a scale of prices which shall be agreed to voluntarily.

Mr. JONATHAN SAMUEL

In regard to the price of coal at the pithead —

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member must give notice of that question.