§ 12. Mr. GILBERTasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that in certain mining districts it is the custom to allow miners and others working in the mines 1 ton of coal per month at a cheap price; that in many cases this quantity cannot be used by the person supplied, and is often sold at a cheap price; and whether, with a view to saving coal, he proposes to take any action to prevent this waste of coal at the present time?
§ Mr. WARDLEThe allowances of coal referred to are comprised within a wages settlement or agreement and cannot be arbitrarily interfered with, but whether an arrangement can be arrived at to divert the surplus (where such exists) to ordinary consumers is being considered.
§ Mr. WINGMay I ask if it is not a fact that miners have as much difficulty in getting their coal as the people mentioned by the hon. Member in his question?
§ Mr. WARDLEI do not think they are under any exceptional difficulties.