HC Deb 03 December 1919 vol 122 c402
82. Major BARNES

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will give figures showing how the retail price of coal in Newcastle is made up, showing separately the cost price to the merchant, the cost of handling, and the cost of delivery?

Sir A. GEDDES

In Newcastle-on-Tyne separate retail prices are fixed for different classes of coal. The margin allowed to the merchant is 8s. per ton, the items being:

per ton.
Cost of handling 1s.
Cost of carting and delivery 5s. 6d.
Allowance for management, office expenses, and profit 1s. 6d.

Coal which cost the merchant 33s. per ton (including railway charges) would be sold by retail at 41s. per ton.