§ 25. Mr. Holdsworthasked the Secretary for Mines the amount of the increase in the price of coal commercially disposable between January, 1936, and June, 1938; and how much of the increase per ton was due to wages costs?
§ Captain CrookshankThe estimated proceeds per ton of coal disposable commercially in Great Britain in January, 1936, were 14s. 11d. and in June, 1938, 17s. 1d.; corresponding wages costs were 8s. 11d. and 10s. 11d. respectively.
§ Mr. HoldsworthWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman see that publicity is given to the latter figure, as it conflicts
982 with the statement made by the ex-president of the Miners' Federation?
Durham. — Number of Wage-Earners employed in and about Coal Mines. Output of Saleable Coal. Estimated total Wages. Boys under 16 years of age. Males 16 years of age and over. Cash Earnings. Value of Allowance in kind. Tons. £ £ 1924 … … 10,900 159,600 36,689,491 21,743,000 Not available. 1937 … … 5,100 109,100 33,485,652 13,990,000 1,742,000
§ Captain CrookshankI am sure that my hon. Friend will assist in that publicity.
§ Mr. T. SmithCan the Minister supply any information showing the difference in price between industrial coal and household coal?
§ Captain CrookshankNo, Sir, I have not been asked that question.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsCan the Minister say whether the figures he gives are based upon the price of coal at the pit-head, whereas the figures given by the ex-president of the Miners' Federation relate to the price at which it is disposed of to consumers?
§ Captain CrookshankI really cannot go into statements made by other people outside the House. I am answering the question on the Paper.
§ Mr. CollindridgeIf the Secretary for Mines is going to give this information, will he also give the difference between the numbers of shareholders in the industry and the numbers of mine-workers?