§ 77. Mr. BATEYasked the Secretary for Mines the wages cost per ton of coal for March, 1921, and March, 1926, or such later month as is available; and the amount paid in royalties for the same periods?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Colonel Lane Fox)In March, the average wages cost per ton of coal disposable commercially was 27s. 9½d. and the average royalty charge 8¼d. in February, 1926, the latest month for which information is available, the corresponding figures were 12s. 3d. and 6¼d., respectively.
§ Mr. BATEYDoes that enormously reduced figure for wages cost per ton, of 12s. 6d., include the subvention of 3s.?
§ Colonel LANE FOXNo, Sir: it is the wages cost for which the hon. Gentleman asked.
§ Mr. MARDY JONESIn ascertaining the royalty rate per ton, is there taken into account the market value of the many thousands of tons of coal which landlords get free of charge as part of the royalty conditions?
§ Colonel LANE FOXNo, Sir; I have given the royalties and the cost per ton.
§ Mr. MARDY JONESDid the right hon. Gentleman take into account the market value—a substantial item—of the free coal which royalty owners very frequently make a part of the royalty lease?
§ Colonel LANE FOXThe hon. Member asked me the amount paid for royalties, and I have stated it in my answer.