11. Sir F. HALLasked the President of the Board of Trade if the financial assistance of the Government to the coalowners still remains in force, notwithstanding the recent decision to give full freedom in regard both to selling price and distribution; and whether there is any guarantee that, as the result of this action, the price of coal to domestic consumers may not be forced up?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThe financial arrangements under the Coal Mines (Emergency) Act, 1920, remain in force, but it is intended to ask Parliament to terminate those arrangements at the earliest practicable date. I hope to be in a position shortly to make a full statement on this subject. Coal is scheduled under the Profiteering Act, and domestic consumers will have the protection of the Profiteering Tribunals against any rise in price not justified by the costs of production, transport and handling. I would draw attention to the scheme of prices for the Metropolitan area approved by the Board of Trade under the Profiteering Act.