§ Sir W. de FRECEasked the Secretary for Mines if he can give any estimate of the amount of money represented by the extra half-hour day conceded to the miners under the Coal Mines Bill; and how much extra money will be required in any price increase in respect of coal sales to the public to provide this sum and any suggested increase of wages 2143W intended to bring the lower-paid district rates up to the standard of the best-paid district rates?
§ Mr. TURNERUnder present conditions the estimated increase in the cost of production owing to the reduction of the maximum working day to 7½ hours varies from nothing to possibly 1s. 6d. per ton; but it must not be assumed that any increased cost must fall on the domestic consumer. I am not aware to what suggestions the hon. Member refers in the last part of his question.