§ 29. Mr. O. LEWISasked the Secretary for Mines to what extent the prices charged for coal to public utility undertakings, to industrial concerns, or to private householders are lower than the corresponding prices at the same season last year as a result of the economies in the cost of production since the passage of the Coal Mines Act?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. W. R. Smith)The Coal Mines Act, 1930, deals only with minimum pithead prices, but it is yet too early to say what has been the effect of the Act either on pithead prices or on costs of production.
§ Mr. LEWISCan the hon. Member tell us whether, since the passing of the Act, prices have tended to go up or down?
§ Mr. SMITHIt is very difficult to form a definite opinion at the moment, because the time has been so short, and the question would have to be examined in the light of the different grades of coal.
§ Mr. LAWTHERIs it not a fact that pithead prices in different parts have gone down rather than up.