§ 66. Mr. WELLOCKasked the Secretary for Mines what was the average royalty charge per ton of coal raised last year in Scotland, England, and Wales, respectively?
§ Commodore KINGThe average royalty charge per ton of saleable coal raised last year in Scotland was 6.21d., in England 4.93d., and in Wales and Monmouth 7.48d.
§ Mr. WELLOCKWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman explain why the amount is so high for Wales?
§ Commodore KINGBecause I understand that they entered into higher contracts with the royalty owners.
§ Mr. DENNISONDo these figures include wayleave rents?
§ Commodore KINGI should want notice of that question.
§ Mr. SHINWELLIs it not remarkable that there has been no reduction in royalty rents in spite of the depression in the coal industry?
§ Commodore KINGRoyalty rents have been reduced in a number of cases.
§ Mr. SHINWELLWill the hon. and gallant Member indicate where these reductions have taken place?
§ Commodore KINGIf the hon. Member reads the papers, he will see that several pits are to be reopened owing to reductions which have been made.
§ Mr. SHINWELLAre we to understand that in this matter we must take our information from the newspapers, and that a Government Department cannot furnish statistics?
§ Commodore KINGNo, Sir. If the hon. Member puts down a question, I will give him an answer.
§ Mr. AUSTIN HOPKINSONIs it not the fact that royalty rents would have been reduced much more if it had not been for the extra taxation which has been piled upon royalties?