5. Mrs. Adamsonasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that 14-pound bags of coalite are being retailed at 10d. per bag in certain districts in London; and if he intends to take action to stop this profiteering?
§ Mr. LloydI am aware that in London the current retail price of coalite 1864 is 10d. per bag of 14 pounds. The corresponding pre-war price was 9½d., the difference having been authorised by my Department in respect of increased costs of production and distribution. I would remind the hon. Member that the costs incidental to the retail distribution of this product in small quantities in bags are out of all proportion to those incurred in handling larger quantities.
Mrs. AdamsonIs the Minister aware of the high additional profit on the fixed price of coalite when it is retailed at these prices to the very poorest section of the community?
§ Mr. LloydI shall be very glad to examine any figures with which the hon. Lady would care to furnish me.