§ 57. Mr. POTTSasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that coal-mining statistics show a collective figure for the December quarter of 1935, for management, salaries, insurances, repairs, office and general expenses, depreciation, etc., £6,248,868, without giving separate information as to the cost of directors' fees and expenses; and will he provide information as to the number of directors and directors' fees?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKThe answer to the first part of the question is "Yes." As regards the second part, the only information available is that contained in the report of the Royal Commission on the Coal Industry (1925) where it is stated, with reference to fees, that "their amount is negligible—less than ½d. per ton." I have no reason to think that there is any material change in the position.
§ Mr. POTTSIs not this information obtainable? Surely, the information as to the number of directors and the money obtained by them ought to be obtainable?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKIt is not available because the statistical figures which my Department collects are those which are derived from the ascertainment figures furnished by the industry, and the returns do not provide for these details to be included.
§ Mr. GARRO JONESIs the Minister aware that the figures of directors' fees given in balance sheets are no indication of the total amount of remuneration received by directors, in that salaries paid to directors need not be separately shown, and that therefore the conclusion the hon. Gentleman draws that these amounts are negligible is entirely fallacious?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKIt was not my conclusion but that of the Royal Commission, who were, no doubt, aware of the points which the hon. Gentleman makes.