§ 68. Captain GARRO-JONESasked the Secretary for Mines whether he will consider the need to inaugurate a system of grading coal based on the pit head price, in order to give consumers some protection against unscrupulous factors and agents?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Colonel Lane-Fox)I do not think that a system of grading coal based on the pit-head price would be practicable, or would serve the purpose which the hon. and gallant Member has in mind.
§ Captain GARRO-JONESDoes the hon. and gallant Gentleman recollect that a similar system was put into effect with great success in the case of wheat during the War, and that any difficulties with coal could be similarly overcome?
§ Colonel LANE-FOXI do not think that the circumstances are at all analogous.
§ Captain GARRO-JONESIn reference to the second part of the answer, may I ask the hon. and gallant Gentleman to emphasise the necessity for taking some measures; and whether his attention has been drawn to the results of investigations made by the London County Council, which have proved that coal of inferior grades is often sold as coal of a higher grade, particularly at the present time?
§ Colonel LANE-FOXThat does not arise out of the question.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. and gallant Member is trying now to put the fourth question that he has on the Paper. That cannot be allowed.