§ 67. Mr. CHARLES EDWARDSasked the Secretary for Mines whether he can give to the House the latest analysis of the items of cost in respect of household coal submitted by the coal merchants to his Department?
§ Colonel LANE-FOXAs the reply involves a statistical statement I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Captain GARRO-JONESIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman content to accept the ex parte statements of the coal merchants as the basis of his action in this matter?
§ Colonel LANE-FOXNo, Sir.
Following is the reply:
The analysis in question, which relates to the average distribution costs of four of the largest London merchants in the year ended the 31st March, 1924, is as follows:
| s. | d. | |
| Loaders' wages | 1 | 10.79 |
| Carmen's wages | 2 | 6.55 |
| Cartage expenses | 2 | 4.15 |
| Sacks | 2.86 | |
| Siding rent, weighbridge charges, wharf rent, demurrage, etc | 3.13 | |
| Loss on smalls and deficiencies Clerical salaries, including managers | 2 | 3.16 |
| Establishment charges, including stationery, telephones, rents, postages, light, water, travelling, advertising, bad debts, discounts and allowances, National Health and other insurances | 1 | 4.83 |
| 11 | 8.47 |
§ The figures do not include any charge for interest on capital, remuneration of partners, directors or managing directors, Income Tax or Corporation Profits Tax.
§ 68. Mr. C. EDWARDSasked the Secretary for Mines whether he proposes to proceed with a scheme prepared by his predecessor to enable local authorities to trade in domestic coal; and, if not, whether he has an alternative plan to reduce coal prices
§ Colonel LANE-FOXI would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. and gallant Member for South Hackney on the 17th February.