§ 40. Mr. MILLARasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now in a position to announce the financial arrangements which have been entered into with the coal owners in connection with the State control of the coal industry?
Mr. ROBERTSI fear I am not in a position to make a definite statement at present. A scheme has been drawn up and has been very fully discussed with representatives of the Mining Association, but it has not yet been given its final form.
§ Mr. MILLARWill the hon. Gentleman explain how such a very long delay has taken place in settling this scheme, and will he undertake to publish it in the form of a White Paper when it is completed?
Mr. ROBERTSI do not think I can give a full explanation in the form of an answer across the floor of the House. The negotiations have been more protracted than I contemplated when making previous replies. The latter question I will consider.