§ 42. Major Milnerasked the Secretary for Mines whether any advantage or assistance, direct or indirect, is being given to the London gas companies in connection with the purchase of coal or otherwise over those given to municipal or public utility gas concerns in other parts of the country?
§ Mr. GrenfellMy Department is endeavouring to secure supplies for all gas undertakings and has not provided any advantage or assistance to London gas companies which is not available to other undertakings in similar circumstances.
§ Major MilnerDoes that mean that some assistance or advantage is being given, but is not being put at the disposal of municipal undertakings or public utility undertakings in other parts of the country?
§ Mr. GrenfellI said there was no advantage except this, that some assistance is given in certain areas, where coal is carried by expensive sea routes, to meet the additional charges so incurred.
§ Major MilnerIs it given to the disadvantage of other parts of the country?
§ Mr. GrenfellNo, I am sure there is no disadvantage.
§ Lieutenant ButcherIs the assistance by means of a levy on tonnage?
§ Mr. GrenfellNo, Sir.