HC Deb 26 February 1929 vol 225 cc1751-3
28. Mr. R. MORRISON

asked the Secretary for Mines why household coal is now 4s. a ton dearer than a year ago; and who is reaping the advantage?

The SECRETARY for MINES (Commodore Douglas King)

So far as my information goes, the retail price of house coal in Central London at the present time is, according to quality, from 1s. to 2s. per ton above the price a year ago. Quotations in the trade papers show that pit prices have advanced by at least that amount, and in some cases by more.

Mr. MORRISON

Would the hon. and gallant Gentleman be good enough to answer the last part of the question, as to who is reaping the advantage of this extra charge on the consumer?

Commodore KING

I have explained the difference in prices. If the pit prices have gone up by more than the retail price, I presume there is some benefit to the collieries.

Mr. MACKINDER

Did not the hon. and gallant Gentleman give an answer earlier in the year to the effect that the pit-head price was 12s., as against 16s. last year?

Mr. RADFORD

Is it not the fact that the majority of the collieries in the country, before this advance, were losing money?

Commodore KING

Oh, yes, Sir.

Mr. SHINWELL

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman say why it is, when the wages of the miners have been decreased and their hours increased, that the price of coal is higher than it was 18 months ago?

Mr. SPEAKER

That seems to be a matter for debate.

Mr. SHINWELL

Has the hon. and gallant Gentleman approached the coal merchants in London to ascertain why this increase has been imposed?

Commodore KING

No, Sir.

Mr. SHINWELL

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman do as was done in the early part of 1924, when a similar increase was imposed on domestic coal users in London, namely, approach the coal merchants and ascertain the reason for it?

Commodore KING

As I said in my answer, while the retail prices have increased by from 1s. to 2s. per ton as compared with a year ado, the pit prices have increased by at least that amount, and, therefore, no inquiry seems to be necessary.

Mr. AUSTIN HOPKINSON

Is it not a fact that, if the price of coal could be advanced 1s. or 2s. more, the wages of all men in the Kingdom would be increased?

Mr. R. RICHARDSON

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the free-on-board prices to-day are just about equal to those of a year ago?

Commodore KING

I am not asked about free-on-board prices, but about the price of coal for sale in this country.

Mr. RICHARDSON

It is coal that is coming to London.

31. Mr. T. WILLIAMS

asked the Secretary for Mines the average price f.o.b. for coal exported from this country duing the quarter ending 31st December, 1928, and the average pit-head price for all coal sold in Great Britain during the same period?

Commodore KING

During the quarter ended December, 1928, the average declared value of British coal exported was 15s. 6d. per ton f.o.b. Complete figures relating to pithead prices of coal dis- posable commercially are not yet available, but the estimated average price is 13s. 6d. per ton.

Mr. BATEY

How much have f.o.b. prices been reduced by the freight relief?

Mr. HOPKINSON

Is it not a fact that, since rate relief was given, f.o.b. prices have been advanced?

Mr. WILLIAMS

Does the hon. and gallant Gentleman hope we are going to obtain permanent prosperity in the mining industry by giving coal away?

Mr. HARDIE

Has the Mines Department at any time in giving comparative prices taken into account the amount of heat?