Captain COOTEasked the President of the Board of Trade what is the realised profit, if any, on coal sold for export up to date; and is it such as to justify a reduction in the price of coal?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI would refer the hon. Member to the statements which my right hon. Friend made in the House on the 27th October and last night on this subject.
Major BARNESasked the President of the Board of Trade (1) what was the basis of profit allowed to the colliery owners on November, 1918, and what is it now;
(2) what sum will be added to the colliery owners' profit for twelve months working by the recent advance of 6s. per ton in the price of coal?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThe profits of colliery owners in 1918 were regulated by the Coal Mines Control Agreement (Confirmation) Act, 1918. The basis of profit to which they are entitled for this year will be the subject of legislation to be introduced into this House in due course, so that the colliery owners' profits for twelve months' working will not be increased by the advance of 6s. per ton.
Major BARNESasked the President of the Board of Trade (1) what was he estimated selling price of coal for shipment on which the advance of 6s. per ton was based, and what is the actual selling price; (2) if, in view of the greatly-increased price obtained for coal for shipment, he will reduce the price to the home consumers by 3s. per ton?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI would refer the hon. Member to the statement which my right hon. Friend made in the House last night.