§ 2. Mr. GRUNDYasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will undertake to see that the price of coal sold for resale in South Lancashire and other localities is fixed in keeping with the permissible increase of 6s. 6d. per ton over and above the price obtaining in 1914, and that the grade of coal be determined by the price paid and not, as at present classified, as bests, seconds, and kitchen coal?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThe increase of 6s. 6d. per ton above the corresponding price for household coal during the 12 months ended 30th June, 1914, relates solely to the pithead price chargeable by the colliery company. I am informed that the maximum retail prices of household coal in South Lancashire are grouped according to the average cost of the coal to the local merchants at their depôts; but if the hon. Member has any special cases in mind where the present arrangements are considered to be inequitable, I shall be glad to receive particulars.