§ Mr. Holdsworthasked the Secretary for Mines by what authority the Midland Amalgamated District (Selling Agency No. 9), after consultation and negotiation with coal distributors, fixed a standard schedule of road-haulage rates for coal which will be prejudicial to the interests of the transport industry; and, as the latter was not a party to the negotiations, will he take steps to reopen the negotiations at which all parties concerned shall be represented?
§ Captain CrookshankI am advised that the general manager of this selling agency has come to an agreement with the coal distributors regarding road haulage rates, in connection with the determination of coal prices. It is open to the representatives of the transport interests to approach the general manager of the selling agency in the matter. As the general manager derives his powers from the Midland (Amalgamated) District (Coal Mines) Scheme, 1930, any person who considers that they have been exercised unfairly may lodge a complaint with the District Committee of Investigation.