§ 32. Mr. JOHNSTONasked the Secretary for Mines whether his attention has been drawn to the scheme announced by the coalowners of Scotland for the closing down of collieries by agreement among the owners, the payment of compensation to the proprietors of the closed collieries of 6d. per ton on all coal sold for home consumption by the collieries that continue to operate; whether the scheme provides for the raising of prices on the home market by 1s. 6d. per ton; and what steps, if any, he is taking to provide compensation to colliers who are thrown idle by these arrangements?
§ Commodore KINGI am informed that the scheme referred to by the hon. Member involves a levy on all coal raised other than that sold for export and bunkers, and a further levy on coal sold to public utility undertakings. The amount so raised is to be used for reducing the potential output of Scottish mines, but I understand that the basis of compensation has not yet been fixed. In reply to the last part of the question, I have at present no grounds for supposing that any miners now employed will be thrown idle by the introduction of the scheme.
§ Mr. JOHNSTONIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman not aware that it is an essential part of the scheme that pits shall he closed and that that has been publicly announced by the coalowners themselves; and what steps is he taking to safeguard the rights of the colliers who are affected?
§ Commodore KINGI am not aware that the object of the scheme is to close pits. I am speaking of potential output, not actual output, and at present there are some seven or eight million tons of potential output not being worked in Scotland.
Mr. HOPKINSONIs not this Scottish scheme in, accordance with one of the recommendations of the Samuel Commission?
§ Mr. BOOTHBYDoes my hon. and gallant Friend not regard this scheme as a very encouraging development in the coal industry?
§ Mr. B. SMITHDoes the hon. and gallant Gentleman think it is a wise policy to transfer the extra cost of coal on to the British consumer in favour of the foreigner?
§ Mr. LUNNSeeing that the hon. and gallant Gentleman is not aware of the effect of these schemes in Scotland and in parts of England, will he inquire whether or not these schemes are closing collieries as is suggested in the question?
§ Mr. JOHNSTONArising out of the original answer, may I ask whether in point of fact this scheme is not a direct subsidy to foreign manufacturers who use, British coal against British manufacturers?
Lieut.-Colonel Sir FREDERICK HALLIs it not owing to the encouragement of strikes, thereby losing many of our markets, that this scheme has been put forward?
§ Mr. JOHNSTONMay I——
§ Mr. SPEAKERThese are all matters of opinion, not facts.