§ 26. Mr. POTTSasked the Secretary for Mines if he is aware that coal-mining statistics results show management, salaries, insurances, repairs, office and general expenses, depreciation, etc., to have cost upwards of £29,000,000 for the year 1925, and no separate information as to cost of directors' fees and expenses; and will he obtain information as to the amount of directors' fees and expenses separate for 1925 and the quarter ending March, 1926. having regard to the State subsidy paid during such period?
§ Colonel LANE FOXI am aware that the facts are as stated by the hon. Member. But in view of the statement of the Royal Commission with reference to directors' fees, that "their amount is negligible—less than ½d. per ton," I do not think that the collection of further information on this subject would serve any useful purpose.
§ Mr. POTTSWill the right hon. Gentleman procure the information? I am not asking about a half-penny per ton; I am asking about the amount paid in fees to directors.
§ Colonel LANE FOXI suggest that the hon. Gentleman should take the trouble to read the Report of the Royal Commission, in which he will get a great deal of information that is very useful.
§ Mr. POTTSIs the Minister aware that some of the directors, having regard to the number of companies that they are interested in as directors, receive £10,000 a year?
§ Colonel LANE FOXNo, Sir.
§ Captain GARRO-JONESHow long is the right hon. Gentleman going to rely on rejecting the findings of the Royal Commission in cases where he dislikes them, and accepting the findings when they suit him?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThis is not the time for debate.