§ 64. Mr. BATEYasked the Secretary for Mines the average amount of the reduction of selling prices for export coal through the freight relief on public railways which commenced on 1st December, 1928?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Commodore Douglas King)There are many factors which affect the price at which coal is sold, and it is difficult to assess the value of any one factor at a particular time. It has been estimated that 2604 the average relief under the freight rebates scheme amounts to approximately 7d. a ton on export and foreign bunker coal; but whether the relief is used to reduce price, or to help bridge the present gap between costs of production and proceeds, is a matter for the industry itself to determine.
§ Mr. SHINWELLHow are you ever going to know that the reduced freights were of any value?
§ Commodore KINGI should think nobody has any doubt about that.
§ Mr. BATEYAre we to assume that there has been no reduction in prices and that this money has gone into the pockets of the coalowners?
§ Commodore KINGNo, Sir. The hon. Member must not assume more than I have said in my answer.