HC Deb 06 August 1925 vol 187 cc1538-9
48. Mr. GALBRAITH

asked the Prime Minister whether the Coal Commission proposed to be set up will be authorised to inquire into the causes of the high cost of merchanting coal; and whether any steps can be devised for decreasing the cost of coal to the private consumer?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Baldwin)

I would refer my hon. and learned Friend to the answer which I gave yesterday in reply to a question by the hon. and gallant Member for Hackney, South.

Captain GARRO-JONES

In that reply the right hon. Gentleman stated that he would consult the Mineowners' Association and the Miners' Federation. Is he aware that the Miners' Federation has always advocated that such an inquiry should form part of any inquiry into the coal situation, and that the mineowners are opposing such an inquiry?