§ 22. Mr. ROWLANDSasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the price of coal in Kent is 6s. per ton more than in London; whether the bulk of the coal supplies in these areas along the Thames is sea-borne; and can he state the cause of this extra charge?
§ Sir A. GEDDESThe price of coal in Kent is higher than that in London, even in the case of rail-borne coal, because of the higher railway rate from the Midland coalfields. The amount of the difference in prices varies on account of variation in railway rates to different places. In the case of coal carried coastwise to places in Kent, the difference, as compared with London rail-borne coal, will be still greater and may in some cases considerably exceed the sum of 6s. per ton mentioned by the hon. Member, the reason being the higher charges for transport and handling on sea-borne than on rail-borne coal.
§ Mr. ROWLANDSCan the right hon. Gentleman tell me what is the increase in the price of freightage for sea-borne coal?
§ Sir A. GEDDESThat would be quite impossible without notice, and without the ports being given in which the hon. Member is interested.
§ Mr. FRANCEDoes the right hon. Gentleman settle this question of rail-borne and sea-borne traffic or is it settled by his right hon. relative; and in case of any difference arising who arbitrates?
§ Sir A. GEDDESThe question of arbitration has never arisen in any shape or form.