§ 50. Captain GARRO-JONESasked the Prime Minister whether the terms of reference to the Royal Commission on the coal situation will enable that body to inquire into the reasonableness or otherwise of the charges added to the ton by merchants, factors, and agents?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe terms of reference will have to be the subject of consultation with the Mining Association and the Miners' Federation, and I can make no statement at present.
§ Captain GARRO-JONESIn view of the fact that it will be too late to make representatives on this subject when the terms of reference are issued, may I ask whether, whatever the coal merchants or the coal owners say, he will insist that this shall be one of the terms of reference to the Royal Commission in the public interest?
§ The PRIME MINISTERAll relevant points will be taken into consideration.
§ Mr. DIXEYMay I take it also that the terms of reference will include reference to the iron and steel trade?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIt is impossible to say until we have had time to consider the matter.
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat is clearly impossible..