§ 58. Mr. CHORLTONasked the Secretary for Mines if, in view of the costs of distribution of coal being relatively high compared with those of mining, he will take steps to help to bring about a reduction by the publication of all relevant figures?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Mr. Isaac Foot)I assume that my hon. Friend is referring to the costs of distribution of house coal. The information for which he asks with regard to these costs is published in the Report of the Royal Commission on the Coal Industry (1925). I am advised that since that date there have been no such changes in the costs of distribution as would materially affect the results shown in that Report.
§ Mr. BATEYAs there has been no reduction in the cost of distribution since 1925, is the Minister taking any steps to meet the sellers of coal to get them to reduce costs?
§ Mr. FOOTThe matter is under consideration, but it would involve legislation before any change could be effected.
§ Mr. BATEYHas not the Department entered into negotiations with the sellers of coal, and is the Minister now taking no steps?
§ Mr. FOOTThere have been arrangements in some instances between coal owners and coal distributors. Some of those arrangements have had no material result. As far as the Government are concerned, nothing can be done apart from legislation.