§ 12. Mr. CHATERasked the Secretary for Mines, whether he is aware that domestic consumers of coal are now paying considerably more than an additional 1s. per ton as compared with a year ago; and whether the miners are actually receiving increased wages commensurate with the increased prices paid by consumers?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Captain Crookshank)I am aware that, generally speaking, the retail price of domestic coal has been raised by more than 1s. per ton as compared with a year ago. I have no reason to believe that the increases do not in the main correspond with increases in pithead prices. Increased pithead prices operate to augment miners' wages in accordance with the usual machinery of the district wage agreements.
§ Mr. H. G. WILLIAMSHaving regard to the very large increase which has taken place in coal prices already, is it necessary to have these selling schemes to raise prices still higher?