39. Mr. Murrayasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that, under the new regulation dealing with free supply of fire coal to the workers in the mining industry in County Durham, the aged miners in that county are compelled to pay 265. o.59d. for a ton of coal, while at the same time the owners of the industry arc buying back any surplus coal at 13s. 6d. per ton, thus making a profit of 12s. 6d. a ton; and will he take steps to remove this hardship imposed on these old age pensioners?
Major Lloyd GeorgeThe Order referred to does not regulate any of these transactions, except in providing that a miner who has acquired free or cheap coal shall not dispose of it otherwise than back to the colliery which supplied it and at a price agreed between the owners and the workmen. I am not satisfied that any modification of the Order is called for.
Mr. MurrayIs the Minister not aware that the whole county of Durham has passed a resolution asking for this very thing?
Major Lloyd GeorgeI have not been informed of that. I have been in consultation with the men's representatives on this matter, and they have no objection, and there is machinery locally through which this coal is sold back by agreement.
Mr. MurrayWill the Minister not go further into the matter and reconsider it? It is a very great hardship upon the old people.
Major Lloyd GeorgeIt is no greater hardship upon the old people than upon those who have to buy the coal at the ordinary price.