HC Deb 28 April 1931 vol 251 c1420
Mr. HERRIOTTS

asked the Secretary for Mines the average price of coal at the pit-head for the years 1929 and 1930, respectively, and also the price for the quarter ended the 31st March, 1931?

Mr. SHINWELL

The average pithead proceeds per ton disposable commercially in 1929 was 13s. 11d. and in 1930, approximately 14s. 1d. I regret that later information is not yet available.

Mr. HERRIOTTS

What is the reason for the information not being available, seeing that when I put down a question some time ago, I was informed that the information would be available soon?

Mr. SHINWELL

The information is collected quarterly, and it is not available for the last quarter.

Mr. HERRIOTTS

Has the retail price of coal throughout England been raised during the last thee months?

Mr. SHINWELL

I should require notice of that question.

Lieut.-Colonel Sir FREDERICK HALL

Surely the hon. Gentleman can reply to that question, seeing it is a well-known fact that there has been an increase in price?

Mr. SHINWELL

Speaking off-hand, I think that there has been a reduction.