§ 61. Major PRICEasked the Secretary for Mines whether, in the case of any new schemes for marketing of coal submitted to him recently, he has authorised the issue to coal consumers of inquiries as to the monthly tonnage purchased?
§ Commodore KINGI assume that my hon. and gallant Friend is referring to the issue to coal consumers of a circular by an individual trading as the Midland Joint Coal Board requesting particulars of the monthly tonnage of coal purchased. The concern in question has no official status of any sort and is not connected with my Department nor with any other Government Department; nor, I am informed, with the Midland marketing scheme. I have not authorised the issue of any inquiries to consumers in relation to coal marketing schemes.
§ Mr. PALINGDoes the hon. and gallant Gentleman contemplate taking any steps, and does he not think that regulation of output and restriction of output have sent up the cost of coal to the consumer?
§ Commodore KINGThat matter does not arise out of the question.