§ 13. Mr. A. Edwardsasked the Minister of Fuel and Power why the confidential report on the coal industry is not made available to those able to benefit by it; how the news of its existence was allowed to leak out; and if any reports of this nature are in existence with reference to other industries.
Major Lloyd GeorgeOn the first two parts of the Question, I have nothing to add to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister on 14th November. As regards the last part of the Question, I am informed that there are no other comparable reports.
§ Mr. Austin HopkinsonIs it not a fact that very misleading statements, particularly a recent answer by the Home Secretary, as to the cost of coal production of this country and in the United States are being made, those statements being based on a dollar-sterling rate of exchange which is at least double the real rate? Therefore, the American costs given should be at least doubled.