HC Deb 26 May 1938 vol 336 cc1372-3
16. Mr. Liddall

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the fact that the price of coal is now nearly double what it was in July, 1914, he will state some or all of the percentage increases in pit-head prices, in transport costs, dock costs, the costs of delivery from railway and / or dock to consumers' premises and in the profits of merchants and / or factors included in the 90 per cent. increase in coal prices for the year 1937 over July, 1914, as far as they operate in the cost-of-living index for 1937?

Mr. E. Brown

The information in the possession of my Department does not enable me to give these particulars. I would, however, refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by the Prime Minister on 16th March last to the hon. Member for Wallsend (Miss Ward), in which he announced;that a Departmental Committee would be set up, the terms of reference of which would include the investigation of the various items which make up the differences between the prices received by the producers and those paid by the consumers of coal, coke and manufactured fuel.

Mr. Grenfell

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the committee has yet been appointed or whether there is any information about prospective appointments?

Mr. Brown

I am not sure. Perhaps the hon. Member will put the question down.

Mr. Davidson

Will the Minister make it clear that it is of no use to complain of the price of coal and at the same time support Bills put forward by this Government which do not ease the situation at all?

Mr. Brown

Hon. Members opposite will be very sorry if the Coal Bill is not passed, and so will the miners.