§ Mr. BATEYasked the President of the Board of Trade the number of tons of coal consumed by gas companies, the average price per ton paid for such coal, and the total profits of gas companies for each of the last five years?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe coal carbonised by statutory gas companies in Great Britain during the years 1930–34 was as follows:
Tons. 1930 … … 11,107,106 1931 … … 11,015,553 1932 … … 10,833,531 1933 … … 10,603,860 1934 … … 10,979,768 The average price per ton paid for such coal is not available.
The total profits of such companies have been:
£ 1930 … 7,064,137 1931 … 7,292,976 1932 … 7,379,419 1933 … 7,223,263 1934 … Not yet available.
§ Mr. BATEYasked the Minister of Transport the number of tons of coal consumed by electricity companies, the average price paid per ton for such coal, and the total profits of electricity companies for each of the last five years?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAThe information desired by the hon. Member is as follows:
1715W
(2) The gross surplus of the electricity companies and the appropriation thereof. Year. Gross Surplus. Appropriation of Gross Surplus. Interest. Dividends. Depreciation and other purposes. £ £ £ £ 1928 … … … 10,357,553 2,012,058 4,202,758 4,142,737 1929 … … … 12,158,128 2,323,106 4,681,725 5,153,297 1930 … … … 12,283,291 2,341,859 4,954,547 4,986,885 1931* … … … 13,083,607 2,382,927 5,379,322 5,321,358 1932* … … … 13,245,773 2,488,215 5,474,654 5,282,904 * The figure of gross surplus in these years was arrived at before deduction of Income Tax charge; previous to 1931 it was arrived at after deduction of Income Tax.