§ Sir R. Clarryasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that the better qualities of South Wales bituminous coal have increased over the price ruling in the summer of 1935 by 5s. 6d. per ton, that is to say, from 15s. 6d. to 21s. per ton at the pit-head; and whether he proposes to take steps to provide some further form of protection and redress for coal consumers from possible exploitation beyond the limited procedure of investigation by a local committee of investigation?
§ Captain CrookshankI am not aware of the actual increases in the pit-head prices of different classes of coal. The proposals of the Government for strengthening the protection of consumers are included in the Eighth Schedule to the Coal Bill.