§ 91. Mr. WILSON-FOXasked the Lord Privy Seal whether, before this House is asked to give a Second Reading to the Coal Industry (Emergency) Bill, he will cause Members to be presented with a statement revising Cm figures given in Mr Justice Sankey's Report and in his statement of the 20th March last, in the light of the most recent information available in regard to the output and profits of the coal mining industry?
§ The ADDITIONAL PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Lieut.-Colonel Sir Hamar Greenwood)I have been asked to reply. I am sorry that I cannot undertake that such a statement shall be circulated before the Second Reading of the Coal Industry (Emergency) Bill. As was stated by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade in last Friday's Debate, the estimated surplus for the current financial year, on the basis of prices ruling prior to 1st December, was £17,000,000. 573 The House is aware that the figures are being examined by an independent firm of accountants, Messrs, Alfred Tongue and Company, whose report will be circulated. I do not think it desirable to anticipate that report.
§ Mr. RAFFANCan the hon. Gentleman say whether the report will be circulated before the discussion takes place on the Government proposals?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODI would ask for notice of that question.