Lieut.-Colonel Sir FREDERICK HALL:

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the inflation of coal prices which is taking place due to the mining crisis; and whether the Government propose to take any and, if so, what steps to prevent an unreasonable increase in prices should a settlement not be come to?

I am watching the situation carefully, and am meeting representatives of the coal distributing trade next week; indeed, I have seen several already. I have every reason to hope that they are prepared to assist in preventing any exploitation of the situation. I shall be glad to receive any information on the subject that my hon. and gallant friend has to give.

Sir F. HALL:

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware of the fact that in Hull on Monday last the price of coal was put up from 19s. per ton to 27s. per ton, and is he taking any steps with regard to these people in Hull?

I am not aware of that fact. But if the hon. Member will give me particulars I will look into the matter.

Has the Minister received any assurance that coal prices in London will not be put up next week?

Yes, Sir. I received only to-day two leading London coal merchants and they tell me that at a meeting of the leading London coal merchants and London bellmen it has been decided that there shall be no increased price in the London area during the period until the notices expire.

Does that apply to the pit-head price? Have the coalowners agreed that there is to be no advance in the pit-head price?

No, Sir. The reply related only to the merchants.

Does the hon. and gallant Gentleman see any reason why the coal miners should not have the benefit of increased prices at this time?

Is it not the function of private enterprise to make as much profit as possible?

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that when the coal merchants see it is obviously impracticable, on account of popular clamour, to raise the prices they alternatively diminish the quality and that the London County Council has found—

That is a repetition of the hon. and gallant Member's question of yesterday.

On a point of Order. When I asked the question yesterday, it was ruled out of order, but may I not submit that it is now a legitimate supplementary question to which I have not had an answer; and if the Minister declines to give an answer, will he say so?

Tim hon. and gallant Member had better let me see it in writing.

Will the Secretary for Mines make inquiries as to the increase in the price of coal which is taking place in St. Anne's-on-Sea, where it is £l higher than it was a few weeks ago.

Mr. BECKETT:

Is the hon. and gallant Member prepared to give the House an assurance that he will take all possible steps to prevent profit being made by the coal owners or the coal merchants out of the present crisis?

If the hon. Member for Clayton (Mr. Sutton) will give me particulars, I will see what can be done. As regards the other supplementary question. I will certainly do all I can.