§ 57. Sir CHARLES OMANasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that in small places local gas companies, enjoying a monopoly of the supply of coke to the public, have been demanding prices well over 80s. a ton for that commodity from which they have already extracted their gas; and if he can take steps to prevent excessive prices being charged?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Colonel Lane Fox)I am aware that £4 per ton and more is being charged for coke in many places. But I would point out that for some months past gas companies have been dependent almost entirely upon foreign coal, which gives a relatively low yield of coke, and for which very high prices have been paid.
§ Sir C. OMANMay I request you, Mr. Speaker, to obtain such quiet in the House that it is possible for the replies of Ministers to be heard? It was perfectly impossible to hear one word of that reply.
§ Mr. SPEAKERMembers seemed to be still thinking of the previous question.