Mr. David Adamsasked the Secretary for Mines (1) whether he is aware that the shipment of bunker coal from the River Tyne is less by 130,812 tons during the last six months compared with the same period of last year; and what steps his Department is taking to restore prosperity to the trade of this locality;
(2) whether he is aware that the high prices fixed for bunker coal by the central selling committee have resulted in driving many vessels to the Continent for bunkers only; and what steps are being taken in the matter?
§ Captain CrookshankI am aware that the bunker shipments from the Tyne ports 573W during the first six months of this year compared with the same period of 1936 were less by approximately the tonnage stated and that it is alleged that in some cases ships have bunkered at Continental ports because they were not prepared to pay the prices quoted on the Tyne. I do not know whether the prices complained of were the minimum prices fixed by the District Selling Committee or were higher prices charged by the Colliery Owners in the light of supply and demand. I have no power to determine these selling prices, but the minimum prices fixed by the Selling Committee can be challenged before the District Committee of Investigation. As regards the prosperity of the locality I would remind the hon. Member that the saleable output of the Northumberland and Durham coalfield during the first six months of 1937 was over 600,000 tons greater than in the corresponding period of last year.