§ 6. Mr. Kennedyasked the Secretary for Mines whether his attention has been drawn to allegations by Sir P. Malcolm Stewart that British coalowners have unjustifiably forced up the price of coal, obstructed the reorganisation of the industry and provided misleading statements of the quarterly ascertainments of profits on which miners' wages are based; and whether he will cause inquiry to be made into the matters referred to in those allegations, including the manner in which the powers now vested in the price-fixing control boards are now being used?
§ Captain CrookshankYes, Sir, but I do not propose to cause special inquiry to be made into these allegations. The House will recall that these matters have been fully debated during the passage of the Coal Bill, notably on 7th February.
§ Mr. George GriffithsHas the Secretary for Mines seen the reply from the committee that this man has missed his mark altogether?
§ Captain CrookshankYes, and I was interested to see that the reply was a joint one from the Mining Association and the Miners' Federation.