asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what payment per ton is paid in commission to coal agents in Ayrshire and Glasgow for distributing coal to merchants; and what is the precise nature of the service they render.

By "coal agents" I assume my hon. Friend is referring to wholesale distributors, or factors who act as middlemen between collieries and the retail coal merchants. The usual factorage charged by distributors is 1s. a ton in Ayrshire and Glasgow, but there may be cases where it is below or above this figure. The service performed is in the main the assumption of financial responsibility for the sales of coal.

Does the Minister think that these factors are absolutely necessary?

I would not care, without further investigation, to express an opinion, but I have already told my hon. Friend that the Coal Board are going into the matter very shortly.