§ 23. Mr. DAYasked the Secretary for Mines to what extent there has been an 213 increase in the price of coal by the colliery companies during the previous six months; and whether the whole of the increase so charged is passed on to the mine workers?
31. Miss WARDasked the Secretary for Mines whether all increases in the price of coal charged at the pit-head, other than seasonal increases, since January are credited to the special fund created for the voluntary increases agreed to by industrial undertakings?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKNo complete figures for increases in the price of coal are available, but the average proceeds per ton in the December quarter, 1935, were 9½d. higher than in the preceding quarter, and 5½. higher than in the corresponding quarter of 1934. The figures for the first months of this year are not yet ready. The colliery owners are implementing their assurance that the whole of the voluntary increases paid by consumers on coal supplied subsequent to 1st January, 1936, under existing contracts will be passed on to the mine workers. Any increases obtained before or after 1st January other than the voluntary increases referred to will be brought into the ascertainments in accordance with the normal machinery of the district wages agreements.
§ Mr. DAYIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that many retailers are now charging 4s. a ton in addition for their coal, of which only 25 per cent. is passed on for the mine workers?
§ Mr. GEORGE GRIFFITHSIs it not a fact that this increase has not gone entirely to the miners, and that up to the end of December the proportion is 85 to 15 and 87 to 13 in the districts?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKIf the hon. Member studies my reply, it will be quite clear.
Miss WARDWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman answer the specific point as to whether the increases are being credited to a special fund? That would be a very important point.
§ Captain CROOKSHANKThere is not any special fund that covers all the money as far as I know. The position is quite clearly stated in my answer. Perhaps the hon. Lady will study it.
§ Mr. WHITELEYIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that, in homes where there is any member on the means test, whatever advance comes in is deducted?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKThat has nothing to do with me or with the question.
§ Mr. T. SMITHWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman consider the publication of a White Paper in the near future showing the effect of this increase on miners' wages?
§ Mr. LYONSIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman satisfied with the assurances that have been given that the whole of the increase has been passed on?