§ Mr. KENNEDYasked the Secretary for Mines whether he has received intimation of an imminent shortage of gas coal for use by the Greenock Corporation and others; whether he is aware that contracts entered into between the Corporation of Greenock and certain coal agents have been held up by the latter; that the pit-head prices of coal in many districts has been increased from 3s. 6d. to 8s. per ton; and that this increase is in addition to the normal seasonal increase, as is shown by a comparison with the prices for November last; and whether he will take action to ensure that the consumers of gas and coal shall not suffer the loss and inconvenience threatened by these movements?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKI am aware generally of the circumstances mentioned in this question, but I would remind the hon. Member that the Government have no power to control either the supply of coal or its price. I have already discussed the question of supplies with the chairman of the Central Council of Colliery Owners, and I am satisfied that the Council will issue freely such additional allocations of tonnage as are necessary to meet the requirements of coal consumers. As regards prices, I924W would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave yesterday to the hon. Member for Bridgeton (Mr. Maxton).