§ 17. Mr. Tinkerasked the Secretary for Mines what transfer of quotas has taken place in Lancashire from one colliery owner to another since the passing of the Coal Mines Act, 1930; and if, when such transfers are being made, his Department are kept informed of the causes of the transfer and the price paid for each ton of coal of the transferred quota?
§ The Secretary for Mines (Captain Crookshank)I have no information as to the transfers of quotas that have taken place in Lancashire since 1930, and I am not informed of the causes of such transfer or the price paid for transferred quota.
§ Mr. TinkerDo I understand from that answer that the Minister has no power to ask for them?
§ Captain CrookshankNo, Sir.
§ Mr. George GriffithsIs it not the fact that some of these transfers cost the colliery company who get the tonnage 2s. 6d. a ton and that this amount is put on to costs other than wages, which the miner himself has to bear in reduced wages in the next month? May I have an answer?
§ Captain CrookshankThe hon. Member's question did not seem to me to be following upon this question, which has to do with Lancashire quotas. If I am asked for information such as that for which the hon. Gentleman asked, I should like to see the question put upon the Paper.
§ Mr. GriffithsIs not the principle of buying quotas the same all over the British Isles?