Miss Wardasked the Secretary for Mines whether, in view of the fact that certain of the provisions of the Coal Prices (Inland Supply) Order, 1939, infringe the principle of sanctity of contract, he will now withdraw or cancel the Order?
§ Mr. LloydThe Order was made after full consideration, and I do not propose to alter it. I would point out that the effect of the Order is to apply equitably to all buyers of coal from collieries a flat rate increase in price. Any buyer who, prior to the Order, had a favourable price under a contract with a colliery retains his relative advantage.