11. Colonel NEWMANasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, as a result of the increase in the price of coal to the consuming public, he will say what proportion of the estimated coal deficiency made in the early part of the year, and amounting to £15,000,000, he will be able to hand back to the Treasury?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThe amount of £15,000,000 to which the hon. and gallant Member refers is not money which has actually been expended, but is a sum which it was estimated the Treasury would be called upon to advance during the financial year. £12,000,000 of the estimate is for temporary advances, which will be recoverable with interest under the provisions of the Coal Mines (Emergency) Act. It is anticipated that recovery will be hastened by the recent increase in price. The balance of £3,000,000 was provided to meet payments due under the Coal Mines Control Agreement in respect of periods prior to the 31st March, 1919, and such sums as are required under this head will be irrecoverable.