§ Sir JOSEPH WALTONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the fact that gas companies are obtaining cheaper coal owing to State intervention, he will take steps by legislation or otherwise with a view to bringing about a corresponding reduction in 49W the price of gas coke, toluol, and other residual products, and also in the price of gas to their consumers?
Mr. RUNCIMANMost gas companies work under sliding scales which give them a direct interest in keeping the price of gas as low as possible, and I do not think any legisation in the direction suggested by my hon. Friend is necessary.