§ 44. Mr. Tinkerasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that the price of coal sold in Lancashire has been increased by 1s. 9d. per ton, and the retail price has been increased to 1½d. per cwt., which is equal to 2s. 6d. per ton; and will he have inquiries made as to why the small consumer should be called upon to pay so much in excess of the normal increase?
§ The Secretary for Mines (Mr. David Grenfell)The increase of 1½d. per cwt. in retail prices of coal in Lancashire was due not only to the pithead increase of 1s. 9d. per ton authorised from the 1st November, but also to an average increase of 6d. per ton on account of higher railway rates which operated from the 1st December.
§ Mr. TinkerIs the hon. Member aware that it appears to consumers that when there is an increase in the price per ton a fraction more always goes on to the price to the small purchaser? Is there no way of avoiding that? When a further increase comes retailers forget what they have taken before and the fraction goes on again.
§ Mr. GrenfellThe hon. Member will see that the figures almost balance in this case and that there is no appreciable fraction against the consumer.