HC Deb 14 March 1933 vol 275 cc1771-2
20. Captain MacANDREW

asked the Secretary for Mines if he has yet caused inquiries to be made from the secretary of the Scottish Board with regard to the recent sale of Ayrshire coal in Liverpool; whether the price paid was in accordance with the terms of the Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter?

Mr. E. BROWN

I would remind my hon. and gallant Friend that the administration of the schemes is in the hands of the coal owners, and I have no power to intervene. The Central Council of Coal Owners have under consideration an amendment of the central scheme to provide for inter-district co-ordination of prices which would enable cases of this kind to be dealt with. While I have heard allegations that the Scottish pithead price was much below Lancashire prices, there has been no suggestion, so far as I am aware, that the sales of Ayrshire coal in Lancashire have been at prices below the minimum prices fixed by the Scottish Executive Board.

Captain MacANDREW

Has there been anything in the nature of a breach of the Coal Mines Act as a result of Ayrshire coal being sold in Liverpool?

Mr. BROWN

I have already said that, as far as I know, prices are not below those fixed by the Scottish Executive Board.

Captain MacANDREW

Are the Ayrshire coal producers entitled to develop their Lancashire markets?

Mr. BROWN

The hon. Member is now entering upon a subject which admits of a good deal of argument.