§ 42. Sir Irving Alberyasked the Secretary for Mines why the price of coal in Kent has been fixed higher than anywhere else in the country?
§ Mr. GrenfellCircumstances and increases in costs in Kent are abnormal, and, as it is particularly desirable to maintain output in this area, the Government have dealt exceptionally with this district.
§ Sir I. AlberyIn what respect is the position of Kent abnormal, compared to that of other counties in the neighbourhood?
§ Mr. GrenfellThe hon. Member represents a Kent division, and he knows something about it. I cannot give him details, but everybody knows that Kent is very near to the scene of war operations day by day.
§ Sir I. AlberyIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the coal consumed in Kent is not, in the main, Kent coal? As the extra cost is due to war causes, surely Kent should not be penalised.
§ Mr. GrenfellBut the obverse is true, that Kent coal is almost entirely consumed in Kent; and it is very important that we should have all the coal we can get from Kent. As the hon. Member knows, evacuation has very substantially reduced the number employed in that area, and has added to the cost thereby.
§ Mr. MagnayWhy should the Kent coalfields have special treatment as compared with Durham?
§ Mr. GrenfellBecause a ton of coal produced in Kent is worth many tons produced elsewhere.
§ Sir I. AlberyCan the hon. Gentleman let me have details as to how the extra cost is arrived at?
§ Mr. GrenfellYes, that is quite easy. I will furnish the hon. Member with particulars.