§ Sir H. Williamsasked the Secretary for Mines whether he can furnish an estimate of the increase in the price of coal to the public as a result of the application of the Essential Work Order to the industry?
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§ Mr. GrenfellWhile the Government have approved an advance of 10d. a ton on pit-head coal prices or the introduction of the "attendance bonus" next month, no such automatic increase is contemplated on the imposition of the Coal Mines Guaranteed Wage Levy for which Parliamentary authority is now being sought. The levy will form part of the costs of production and any adjustments in the price of coal that may be necessary from time to time, either nationally or by districts, will be made on a review of all the factors entering into the monthly "ascertainments." It is quite impossible to evaluate these in advance.