§ 24. Mr. GILBERTasked what profit has been made by the Coal Controller's Department on bunker coal sold to steamers in the United Kingdom for the six months ending 30th June last; and will he state the profit during the same period made on coal sold to manufacturers in the United Kingdom?
§ Sir A. GEDDESI regret that I have no information as to the profits on bunker coal sold to steamers or coal sold to manufacturers in the United Kingdom during the six months ended 30th June.
§ Mr. GILBERTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that people who are buying Welsh coal for bunker purposes are charged 20s. a ton move than people who buy the same coal for inland purposes? If not will he make inquiries?
§ Sir A. GEDDESThat is the point which we were discussing in question and answer. The coal which is going outside the country even for use in British steamers is sold at the market price. Coal used inside the country is not. It is sold at an artificial price which is controlled by the Government.
§ Mr. HOUSTONIs not my right hon. Friend aware that the high prices of bunker coal, combined with the absence of cargoes of coal, increase greatly the prices of food and every other commodity?
§ Sir A. GEDDESIndeed I am.
Mr. DEPUTY-SPEAKERThe hon. Member must not enter into argument. The object of questions is only to elicit facts.