§ 18. Colonel CLIFTON BROWNasked the Secretary for Mines how the price of export coal during the past two months compares with the price in December, 1930?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Mr. Shinwell)The average declared value, f.o.b., of all coal exported during February, 1931, was 16s. 3d. per ton as compared with 16s. 4d. per ton in December, 1930. Comparison with January, 1931, when the corresponding figure was 15s. 8d. per ton, is affected by the dispute in South Wales, resulting in smaller exports of higher priced anthracite and steam coal.
§ Mr. SHINWELLNo, the position in South Wales was affected by a dispute.
§ Mr. SMITHERSDoes not the mere fact that the export price of coal is known enable our competitors to quote—[Interruption].
§ 25. Mr. HERRIOTTSasked the Secretary for Mines whether all the districts have fixed minimum prices for coal; whether such prices are now in operation; and will he state the price fixed in each district?
§ Mr. SHINWELLIn reply to the first and second parts of the question, I have 1837 nothing to add to the reply given on the 3rd March to the bon. and gallant Member for Hexham (Colonel Brown). I am sending a copy of this reply to my hon. Friend. With regard to the third part of the question, I am not in possession of the actual prices fixed in any district.
§ Mr. HERRIOTTSAre we to understand from the reply that the hon. Gentleman is not furnished with the prices of coal fixed by the central council in each district?
§ Mr. SHINWELLNo, sir.
§ 26. Mr. HERRIOTTSasked the Secretary for Mines whether any progress has been made by the coalowners towards coordinating the selling price of coal in all of the districts; and whether he has taken any steps to secure action by the central council?
§ Mr. SHINWELLI understand that satisfactory progress is being made by the central council in its consideration of the co-ordination of minimum prices.