§ MR. MACQUISTENasked the President of the Board of Trade what is the lowest substitute standard, per ton of profits and what is the highest substitute standard of profits paid to collieries in Scotland, and why does he not pool the shipping coal prices and distribute the difference received over the limitation land-sale price amongst all the collieries according to their output, whereby the output would be stimulated and the price of land sales reduced, and more and cheaper coal provided for the city of Glasgow, which has long suffered from severe shortage of supplies?
§ Sir A. GEDDESThe lowest substitute standard is a negative one of minus 1s. per ton, and the highest substitute standard is 3s. per ton. These were calculated in accordance with the provisions of Clause 8 of the Agreement Schedule to the Coal Mines Control Agreement (Confirmation) Act, 1918. I have already announced that the Government propose to introduce legislation limiting the profits payable to coal-owners to the amount equal to 1s. 2d. per ton on coal raised. I am informed that an adequate supply of coal to Glasgow is being maintained.