§ Mr. MARDY JONESasked the Secretary for Mines the average amount at which the dual relief to the South Wales coal industry under the de-rating proposals of the Local Government Bill will work out per ton of saleable coal; and what steps the Government are taking to see that this benefit shall accrue to wages as well as to profits in a fair proportion?
§ Commodore KINGThe estimated average amount of relief due to the de-rating of colliery property in South Wales is nearly 5½d. per ton on all saleable coal. This estimate is based on the results of the six months ended 31st October, 1928. In addition, South Wales coal for export and foreign bunkers will receive railway freight relief which is estimated at 6½d. per ton on the average. I regret that I cannot give an estimate of the value of railway relief for South Wales coal used by iron3230W and steel works, and in reply to the last part of the question I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on Tuesday to the hon. Members for Aberdare (Mr. G. Hall) and Houghton-le-Spring (Mr. R. Richardson).