§ 67. Mr. DICKIEasked the President of the Board of Trade what action the Board of Trade is taking to secure the amendment of the central scheme under the Coal Mines Act, 1930, which the Government stated to be necessary when the measure was extended for five years?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANIn the view of the Government it is essential that the central scheme under the Coal Mines Act, 1930, shall be amended so as to provide for separate inland and export allocations and for inter-district co-ordination of minimum prices. I am informed that the Central Council have prepared certain proposals on these lines, and that these are now before the District Executive Boards for their consideration. I expect to learn from the Central Council by the middle of April what decisions have been reached, but failing satisfac- 498 tory assurances from the council, the Government will take the earliest opportunity of proposing legislation to give the Board of Trade general powers to amend the central scheme in order that these two amendments may be made.