77. Sir F. HALLasked the Secretary for Mines whether his attention has been called to the rise in price of certain classes of coal following upon the increased demand for supplies from America arising out of the labour troubles there; and whether, having regard to the strong discontent caused by such action, he will have the matter inquired into?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI do not understand to whom my lion, and gallant Friend attributes discontent, or what he wants me to inquire into. That a sudden increase in the demand for a commodity should lead, temporarily, at any rate, to an increase in its price, seems to me a perfectly natural phenomenon.
Sir F. HALLIs my right hon. Friend aware that in consequence of the strike 100,000 tons of Welsh coal is now being shipped to America; is he also aware that the consequence of the demand from America has been to pot up the price of coal in this country, and is he of opinion there is any necessity for that, and will he kindly have the matter inquired into?
§ Mr. LAWSONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the decrease in price at the pit-head was not followed by a decrease in the price charged to the consumer?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI do not think that arises out of the question. In regard to what my hon. and gallant Friend has said, I am quite aware that shipments are being made to America, but I do not see anything unnatural in that.