asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that the price of best house coal in the Isle of Wight at the present time is 3s. 7½d. per cwt. in quantities of less than 5 cwts.; and whether he will take steps to effect some reduction in this high level?
treatment accorded to liquid fuels produced from indigenous materials makes it necessary to consider whether any further measures should be taken to develop them in war-time.
The figures are as follow:
I am aware of the position referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend. Increases over the pre-war level of coal prices are allowed only when they are justified by increased costs. Some 85 per cent. of the increase which has taken place in retail prices in the Isle of Wight since the war is due to additional freight charges, including war risk insurance on ship and cargo.