§ 3. Mr. WHITELEYasked the Secretary for Mines whether in view of the increased price of household coal, which is attributed to the increased pit-head price, he will ascertain under what item of cost this additional price falls?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKI am not quite clear what the hon. Member means, but if he suggests that the increased prices arise out of any increase in the costs of production other than wages, the answer is, so far as I am aware, that they do not. I understand that the object of the increase in pit-head prices is solely to provide more money for the payment of wages.
§ Mr. SHINWELLCan the hon. and gallant Member explain the excessive rise in wholesale prices in various parts of the country, which have no relation whatever to the pit-head price?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKThe hon. Member had better put that question on the Order Paper.
§ Mr. WHITELEYAre we to understand that the extra pit-head price is being reserved for increasing miners' wages?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKPerhaps the hon. Member will read the reply, which says as much as I can about it.