Lieut.-Colonel CLAYasked the President of the Board of Trade what is the average tonnage of coal exported monthly during the last six months; whether he is aware that difficulties still exist in obtaining coal for home consumption; whether coal is sold for export and bunkers at a higher rate than is charged for home consumption; and who benefits by this extra profit?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThe average monthly amount of coal (exclusive of coke1656W and manufactured fuel) exported during the six months—May to October—was approximately 3,000,000 tons. I am aware that difficulties still exist in obtaining coal for home Consumption, in certain areas, owing to inadequate transport facilities for the transfer of coal from the exporting districts. The answer to the third part of my hon. and gallant Friend's question is in the affirmative; and as he is aware the Government proposes to deal with the profits of the coal industry by legislation. The benefit goes towards meeting the cost of production of the coal used by inland consumers.
§ Mr. GOULDasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that coal exported to Port Said for Navy Department Account during the months of May to August were carried under direction orders of the Ministry of Shipping at 22s. 6d. per dead-weight ton; if he is aware that the price paid by the Admiralty for the coal was considerably less than the price allowed to be charged to a private shipper; if he is aware that the rate of freight directed to be charged to the private shipper by the Shipping Controller was 45s. per ton; whether he is aware that the private shipper largely ex ports for bunker purposes; if his attention has been called to the fact that the high cost of bunker coals is conducive to in creasing the high cost of living; and if he can state any valid reasons why the Admiralty should obtain their coal at Port Said at a price considerably less than the actual cost of production and transport?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThis question, in so far as it relates to direction, orders, and rates of freight, should be addressed to my hon. and gallant Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Shipping. As regards the latter parts of the question, the whole question of the relation of bunker prices and the price of industrial coal to the cost of production is under consideration.
§ Mr. GOULDasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state the average export price of coal in South Wales of steam coals for the periods January to June, 1915, July to December, 1915, January to June. 1916, July to December, 1916, January to June, 1917, July to December, 1917, January to June, 1918, July to December, 1918. January to June, 1919, and July to 31st October, 1919: whether the export price is identical with 1657W the price charged for bunker coals; whether he can state; the price paid by the private consumer in the United Kingdom, other than a shipowner, during the same periods; if he can now disclose the prices paid by the Admiralty Department for best Welsh large steam coal during the same periods; and if the price of best Admiralty coals for Navy purposes was regulated by powers under the Defence of the Realm Act without regard to the cost of production or the price paid by the home consumer?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThe average export prices of steam coals in South Wales for the nine half-yearly periods from the 1st January, 1915, to the 30th June, 1919, were 17s. 7d., 18s. 3d., 22s. 2d., 24s. 8d., 26s. 1d., 27s. 2d., 27s. 5d., 29s. 4d., and 33s. 5d. respectively. I regret that the figure for the period July to October, 1919, is not yet available. The prices paid by private consumers, other than shipowners, in the United Kingdom are fixed in accordance with the Price of Coal (Limitation) Act, 1915, and the Coal (Pit's-mouth) Prices Orders made jointly under that Act and the Defence of the Realm Regulations. These prices vary with the place of delivery. The Admiralty price paid during the periods named was approximately 7s. per ton over the colliery price as fixed under the Price of Coal (Limitation) Act, 1915. Full consideration was given to the cost of production and the price paid by the home consumer in fixing the Admiralty price.