§ Mr. WESTWOODasked the Secretary for Mines the wages cost per ton of coal raised in Scotland and the other costs per ton during April, 1926, and what was the price realised, with similar figures for 1927?
§ Colonel LANE FOXIn normal circumstances the figures asked for are compiled and published quarterly, and for the quarter commencing 1st April, 1927, the wages cost, other costs and price per ton of coal disposable commercially in Scotland were 9s. 4.31 d., 4s. 9.99d. and 12s. 9d. respectively. Owing to the stoppage, commencing on 1st May, 1926, no figures are available for the corresponding quarter in 1926. The figures, however, were compiled for the month of April, 1926, and were 11s. 5.69d., 4s. 8.61d. and 13s. 11.35d. respectively. In making deductions from these figures the hon. Member should bear in mind that the figures are not strictly comparable owing to the difference in rates of wages, hours and regularity of work.