§ 23. Mr. HAYESasked the Secretary for Mines whether the Liverpool Coal Merchants' Association, the local coal control agent, is empowered to fix prices at which the coal is to be sold to the public, with or without reference to the Government; whether the association makes any return to the Government of prices paid and prices obtained from the public; and whether his Department is taking any steps to afford the fullest protection to the public against further exploitation?
§ Colonel LANE FOXThe Government have not exercised or delegated any powers of control over retail coal prices, and do not receive returns of wholesale or retail coal prices from the Liverpool Coal Merchants' Association. As regards the latter part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer that I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for South Hackney on Tuesday last.
§ 24. Mr. HAYESasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that Lancashire coal was delivered at Aintree, near Liverpool, during May at 32s. per 2790 ton; that the Liverpool Coal Merchants' Association stepped in, making it impossible for fuel to be had otherwise than through them at the immediately increased price of 40s. per ton; that the price was further increased to 60s. in early July; whether he is aware of the differences in selling prices in Ormskirk and Aintree, where the price is 2s. per cwt., whereas the Association compelled the selling price in Liverpool to be 3s. 6d. per cwt.; and whether he will take such steps as will prevent the public being exploited in this matter?
§ Colonel LANE FOXMy inquiries into this matter are not yet complete, but I will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as they are. I may say that on Bank Holiday it is very difficult to obtain information.