HC Deb 07 May 1935 vol 301 cc788-9
8. Mr. GORDON MACDONALD

asked the Secretary for Mines the average pithead price of coal in Lancashire and Cheshire in December, 1931, and in December, 1934?

Mr. E. BROWN

The average pithead proceeds per ton of coal disposable commercially in Lancashire and Cheshire in December, 1931, were 17s. 10d. and in December, 1934, 16s. 4½d.

9. Mr. MACDONALD

asked the Secretary for Mines the average retail price of coal in Lancashire and Cheshire in December, 1931, and in December, 1934?

Mr. BROWN

I regret that the information asked for is not available.

13. Mr. T. SMITH

asked the Secretary for Mines whether any steps have yet been taken with regard to the co-ordination of prices between different districts; and, if so, with what results?

Mr. BROWN

As my hon. Friend is no doubt aware, the duty of fixing minimum prices rests with the district executive boards. As regards co-ordination, the amended central scheme provides for the consideration by the central council of complaints from the districts with regard to the determination of district minimum prices. I am advised that the general question of co-ordination of minimum prices is receiving consideration by a special committee of the central council.

Miss WARD

Does the hon. Member agree that a coordinative price will hold out some hopes to Northumberland miners of an increase of wages, which are the lowest in the country?

Mr. BROWN

It is hoped that that will be the effect of the amendment of the scheme.

Quantity and Average Value per ton (f.o.b.) of coal exported from each of the Humber ports during the four months ended March,1930, 1931, 1932, 1934, and 1935.
Port. Four months ended March
1930. 1931. 1932.
Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value.
Tons s. d. Tons s. d. Tons s. d.
Goole … … 443,739 15 0 421,914 13 4 327,678 13 9
Grimsby … … 116,289 15 4 72,072 14 0 53,287 14 6
Immingham … 662,941 15 8 643,167 13 5 552,699 13 11
Hull … … 709,952 16 9 593,617 14 1 362,150 14 9
Total … 1,932,921 15 11 1,730,770 13 8 1,295,814 14 1
Port. Four months ended March
1933. 1934. 1935.
Quantity Value Quantity Value Quantity Value
Tons s. d. Tons. s. d. Tons s. d.
Goole … … 233,764 14 2 234,552 15 0 247,304 14 9
Grimsby … … 39,074 12 9 26,533 12 9 28,966 14 5
Immingham … 542,095 13 11 477,216 14 4 527,299 14 7
Hull … … 274,471 14 10 276,080 15 6 277,210 15 9
Total … 1,089,404 14 2 1,014,381 14 9 1,080,779 14 11
It should be noted that the figures for the four months ended March, 1930 and 1931, were affected by the Central Collieries Commercial Association's voluntary scheme.
12. Mr. SMITH

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that exporters of coal from the Humber ports are complaining of a shortage of particular kinds