§ Mr. CAIRNSasked the Secretary for Mines the cost of a ton of coal now and the price per ton in June, 1914; to what the increased price is due; what is the increase in price of timber, plates and other mining plant now and in June, 1914; what is the general increase in royalty rents, way-leaves, carriage and freights now and in 1914; and what is the cost in Northumberland per ton at the collieries and the price at Blyth and at the Tyne ports, f.o.b., now and in 1914?
§ Lieut.-Colonel LANE-FOXThe proceeds of coal at the pit head during the quarter ended September, 1922, averaged 18s. 2¾d. per ton disposable commercially. The corresponding figure for 1914 was between 10s. and 11s.
This increase in the cost of production since 1914 is due to increases in varying degrees in all the component items.
2629W The increases in cost since 1914 in the items mentioned by the hon. Member are approximately as follows:
Percentage increase. Pit props, imported 70 Iron and steel plates 20 to 30 Royalty rents and wayleaves 18 Railway carriage 88 Coastal shipping freights (Tyne to London) 40 to 50 It is impossible to give a figure for the increase in the price of "other mining plant" taken collectively, as this comprises a large variety of different items. In Northumberland the average selling price of coal at the pit during the quarter ended September, 1922, was about 18s. 11d. per ton as compared with 9s. 5½d. per ton in the quarter ended June, 1914. The average declared value of coal exported at Tyne ports, including Blyth, in October, 1922, was 20s. 10d. per ton f.o.b., and compares with 11s. 10d. per ton f.o.b. in the year 1914.