asked the Secretary for Mines if he has any information as to the intention of the London coal merchants to increase the price of coal to the consumer by 2s. per ton; and, if so, whether he proposes to take action on the matter?

Yes Sir; I believe the increase has already been made. The matter is not one in which Parliament has given me any power of effective action. The general question whether Parliament should be asked to grant such powers is one which, in my opinion, ought to be considered, and I propose to go into it.

Will the hon. Gentleman's Department consider the advisability of hanging a few of these exploiters?