§ 60. Mr. WILSON-FOXasked the Prime Minister whether the Government is pledged to fix the profits of the coal-owners at 1s. 2d. per ton; and, if so, to whom, on what occasion, and on what terms, this pledge was given?
§ The PRIME MINISTERYes, Sir, the Government pledge was given in this House by my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House on the 20th of March, 1919, when he stated, on behalf of the Government, that they were prepared to adopt the Sankey Interim Report.
§ Mr. WILSON-FOXMay I ask whether the pledge is absolute, or will it take into consideration the fact that the recommendations of the Sankey Committee on this point were based on considerations of output?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI think my hon. Friend had better wait until the Bill is introduced.
§ Mr. R. McNEILLMay I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman has received, with reference to the proposed limitation of profits, any protest from the Cobden Club?