§ 71. Mr. BLACKasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the total number of owners of coal royalties in Great Britain, and the total amount received by such owners of royalties for the years 1922–23 and 1923–24 before deduction of Income Tax?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. William Graham)I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Minister for Mines to a question by the hon. Member 1836 for Barrow-in-Furness (Mr. D. G. Somerville) on the 25th March last, of which I am sending him a copy.
§ Mr. HOPECan the hon. Gentleman say what this charge on the average works out at per ton of coal raised?
§ Mr. GRAHAMI could not answer that question offhand, but I think I can assure the right hon. Gentleman that it is indicated in one or other of the Reports.
§ Mr. BLACKMay I ask the hon. Gentleman whether he will consider the question of nationalising these royalties, in order that the interests of the public and of the industry should be safeguarded?
§ Sir VICTOR WARRENDERCan the hon. Gentleman say what is the amount paid in Income Tax and Super-tax by royalty owners?
§ Mr. GRAHAMObviously, I could not reply to a question of that kind without notice.