§ 19. Mr. SHINWELLasked the Secretary for Mines the trading loss in the coal industry in the years 1927 and 1928, and the profit in the years 1923, 1924 and 1925?
§ Commodore KINGThe trading loss in 1927 was 5¾d. per ton disposable commercially, and it is estimated that in 1928 it was about 1s. per ton. The profit in 1923 was 2s. 2d. per ton; in 1924, 1s. 2d.; and in 1925, 3¼d., after crediting subvention amounting to 1s. 1¼d. per ton, i.e., an actual loss of 10¼d. per ton.
§ Mr. SHINWELLDoes it not appear from these figures that the mining industry was much better off before this Government came into office?
§ Commodore KINGThe hon. Member is probably aware that the highest peak reached in the coal industry was in the
§ I think the hon. Member will remember that in the Commercial Treaty special provisions were included for the entry of British coal at a lower rate of duty.