§ 32. Mr. LAWTHERasked the Secretary for Mines if he will cause an inquiry to be made into the difference between the pit-head selling prices of coal in Durham and the prices charged to consumers of coal in Durham?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Mr. Shinwell)I understand that representatives of the coal merchants and coal-owners are now discussing proposals which are designed to improve the methods and so reduce the costs of retail 179 distribution. I think it better to await the result of these negotiations rather than to set up the inquiry suggested by my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. LAWTHERWhen are we likely to know the results of that inquiry in view of the fact that the selling price of coal to the consumer is at least 100 per cent. over and above the pit-head selling price of coal?
§ Mr. SHINWELLI am unable to say when we shall get the results, but I understand that the coal merchants and the coalowners are pursuing those inquiries.