HC Deb 13 July 1916 vol 84 cc521-3
44. Mr. BYRNE

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the prices of coal and food in Ireland; if he is aware that coal is now 3s. 6d. per bag to the poor; if he can state whether the prices are being caused by the rates charged by shipping rings for transit; and if he will take steps to limit the prices of coal and food in Ire-land, where the wages paid to workers are much less than those paid to workers in Great Britain?

Mr. HARCOURT

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on Tuesday to a similar question, asked by the hon. Member for the St. Patrick's Division of Dublin. I propose to direct the attention of the Committee on Prices to these questions.

Mr. BYRNE

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the question of allotting some of the captured German ships to the Irish trade?

Mr. HARCOURT

I did not catch the question; perhaps the hon. Member will give me notice of it.

58. Mr. BYRNE

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the increase in the price of coal and food in Ireland; if he will take steps to increase the old age pensions to 7s. 6d.; and if he is aware that such a proposal would have the support of almost every Member of the House?

Mr. SAMUEL

Yes, Sir; I am aware that Ireland, like the rest of the United Kingdom, is suffering from the increased cost of living. With regard to the last part of the question, I can only refer my hon. Friend to the answer the Prime Minister gave him on the 26th June.

67. Sir A. MARKHAM

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now in a position to make a statement as to the steps he proposes taking to regulate the price of coal; and whether he will consider the desirability of substituting the average prices of each quality of coal for the standard instead of the corresponding price?

Mr. HARCOURT

The question of limiting the price of export and bunker coal is receiving careful consideration, but I am not in a position yet to make a definite statement. In the event of any amendment of the Price of Coal (Limitation) Act being found necessary, my hon. Friend's suggestion regarding standard price will be borne in mind.

Sir A. MARKHAM

Will the right hon. Gentleman say when he will be in a position to make his statement?

Mr. HARCOURT

Very shortly.

Sir A. MARKHAM

Next Tuesday?

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