§ 70. Mr. LUNNasked the Secretary for Mines if he will state the estimated percentage reduction in the cost of production of coal produced in Yorkshire due to the de-rating proposals?
§ Commodore KINGOn the basis of the latest available information, the estimated average reduction in the cost of production of coal commercially disposable in Yorkshire due to the de-rating of the collieries themselves would be about 4d. a ton, or 2½ per cent.
§ Mr. LUNNDoes the hon. and gallant Gentleman think that that will rehabilitate the industry in Yorkshire?
§ Commodore KINGNo, but what I have stated must not be taken into account apart from the reduction of freights owing to the de-rating of railways.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSDoes the hon. and gallant Gentleman suggest that 75 per cent. of the rates paid by colliery companies in Yorkshire is equivalent to 4d. per ton?
§ Commodore KINGYes, that is the question I am answering. Owing to the de-rating of the collieries it will be about 4d. a ton.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the average rates paid by collieries in Yorkshire are less than 3d. a ton, and that 75 per cent. of that cannot be 4d.?
§ Commodore KINGI am not aware of it, and obviously it cannot be, true.
§ Mr. AUSTIN HOPKINSONIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that if the anticipations of savings in the cost of production by the de-rating both of railways and collieries are anything like fulfilled, they will place by far the greater proportion of Yorkshire production on a paying basis?