§ Sir K. WOODasked the Secretary for Mines whether there has been any recent advance in the price of retail coal; whether such advance has been made both by co-operative societies and private traders; and whether he has any proposals to make to Parliament which will enable the domestic consumers to be provided with coal at a price consistent with the costs of production?
§ Mr. SHINWELLAn advance in the retail price of household coal, varying from 1s. 6d. to 2s. 6d. per ton according to quality, was made on the 1st September by coal merchants and co-operative societies trading in the London district. I understand that in some provincial centres prices were advanced on the same date, but I have no definite information about the position outside London. In reply to the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him by the Prime Minister on the 21st July, to which I cannot add anything at present.