§ 65. Mr. PARKINSON (for Mr. W. THORNE)asked the Secretary for Mines if he is aware that the Cannock Chase coalowners have decided on an increase in the price of coal of from 1s. to 2s. per ton as and from 30th April; and the amount of increases in the price of coal in other parts of the country where the marketing scheme has been put into operation?
§ Commodore KINGI have seen references in the Press to an increase in the price of Cannock Chase coal as from 1st 1906 May. The information in my possession regarding prices generally is derived from market quotations in the technical Press, which indicate that in the area covered by the Midland marketing scheme inland prices have been advanced at various dates in April for some qualities of coals by amounts varying from 6d. to 2s. per ton.