§ 61. Mr. HAMMERSLEYasked the Secretary for Mines what is the average selling price of coal sold in Lancashire and of coal sold for export, respectively, for the latest period for which figures are available compared with the price for the corresponding period last year?
§ Mr. SHINWELLThe information asked for is not available, but the following figures may be of use to the hon. Member. The pithead price per ton disposed of commercially at Lancashire and Cheshire pits was 17s. 1¼d. during the first quarter of 1930 and 17s. 4½d. during the corresponding period this year. Export prices for Lancashire and Cheshire coal are not available separately, but the f.o.b. prices for coal exported from Lancashire ports, which includes coal from North Wales, Yorkshire and certain Midland counties, was 21s. 5d. and 21s. 1d. in the first quarters of 1930 and 1931, respectively.
§ Mr. HAMMERSLEYIt follows, then, that the operation of the Coal Mines Act is to put up the price of coal to the Lancashire consumer, and to lower the price to Lancashire's competitors.
§ Mr. SHINWELLI am afraid the hon. Member is mistaken. That does not follow from the answer.