HC Deb 06 March 1934 vol 286 c1641
28. Mr. DAVID GRENFELL

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will state the cost per ton of the miners' welfare levy, mining royalties, wayleaves, local rates, taxes, and workmen's compensation, respectively, for 1931 and 1932?

The SECRETARY for MINES (Mr. Ernest Brown)

In 1931, the average cost per ton of saleable coal raised of the miners' welfare levy was 1.00d., of royalties and wayleaves, including the rental value of freehold minerals where worked by the proprietor, 5.56d., of local rates 0.94d., and of workmen's compensation 3.35d. The corresponding figures for 1932 were 1.00d., 5.53d., 0.82d. and 3.56d., respectively. Similar information with regard to taxes is not available.

Mr. BATEY

Do not those figures prove that, instead of the Government making an attack on the welfare levy, they should attack the mining royalties?

Mr. BROWN

The hon. Member would be wrong in drawing that deduction.

Mr. GODFREY NICHOLSON

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, as far as Workmen's Compensation is concerned, there is a discrepancy between his figures and those of the Home Office?

Mr. BROWN

If the hon. Member will examine the two figures, he will find that they are not on the same basis.