HC Deb 24 May 1927 vol 206 c1813
20. Sir J. POWER

asked the Secretary for Mines how the general level of coal prices now compares with that at the corresponding date in 1914?

Colonel LANE FOX

If my hon. Friend refers to the retail price of house coal, the increase in such prices in Central London now as compared with May, 1914, varies from 44 per cent. to 58 per cent. according to quality. I have not the information that would enable me to give figures for the country generally, but I do not think they would be very different. Such information as is available regarding the wholesale price of coal in April, 1927, shows an increase of 38.8 per cent. over the average price for the whole year 1913.

Mr. BECKETT

Could the right hon. Gentleman not also give comparative export prices?

Colonel LANE FOX

I will try to give them if the hon. Gentleman will put down a question.

Mr. BECKETT

It is down. The question on the Paper asks for the general level of prices.