§ 48. Captain GARRO-JONESasked the Prime Minister whether the Government propose to take any steps on the lines of the Coal Commission's Report to empower municipal authorities to supply their populations with coal at moderate prices?
§ Colonel LANE FOXI have been asked to reply. I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to a question by the hon. Member for Gateshead on the 28th June.
§ Captain GARRO-JONESAs that reply was not very clear, and it has since been made less clear, I wish to ask if the Government is in a position to say, in so far as this recommendation of the Coal Commission is concerned, the Government's contingent offer to accept the Report has not lapsed?
§ Colonel LANE FOXI think the answer previously given was perfectly clear. As this statement has not yet been made, perhaps the hon. Member will be patient enough to wait for it.
§ Mr. PALINGIs this question still open for negotiation?
§ Colonel LANE FOXI do not know what the hon. Member means by being "open for negotiation," but if he will wait a short time, he will know all about that.
§ Mr. PALINGI would like to ask whether, if circumstances crop up, the Government would be willing to negotiate on this question?
§ Colonel LANE FOXI cannot possibly answer hypothetical questions of that kind.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSAre we to understand that the Government have not yet made up their mind as to whether they will carry out this part of the recommendation?
§ Colonel LANE FOXThe hon. Member may take it from me that the answer is as it stands.
§ Mr. SPENCERAs this is a question of paramount importance at this moment, does the right hon. Gentleman not think that a clear and concise statement of the Government's policy upon this question to the House would be of the utmost importance.
§ Colonel LANE FOXYes, Sir; and I hope it will soon be made.