§ 20 and 21. Sir A. Knoxasked the Secretary for Mines (1) whether he will state the controlled price of household coal in Southern England to-day; and how this compares with the average price on the 1st November, 1938; and
(2) whether he will give details of the various items which form the basis of the controlled price of coal to the domestic consumer in Southern England?
§ The Secretary for Mines (Mr. David Grenfell)The controlled prices of the many grades of house coal vary from one local authority's area to another, being based on the pre-war retail prices with such additions as have been approved by the Mines Department in respect of increases in pithead prices, increased rail or other transport charges and costs of retail distribution. It would be quite impracticable to compile a statement summarising all the price schedules for Southern England, but I am sending the hon. Member some details in regard to typical grades of coal in his own constituency.
§ Mr. ThorneIs the coal obtained from the Kent coal pits sufficient to supply all the Southern part of England?
§ Mr. GrenfellI would not put it as high as that, but a very considerable part of the quantity required in the South-Eastern areas is derived from the Kent pits, and it is very fortunate that they are still producing large quantities of coal.