PRICE OF COAL

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 250, 16 July 1920, Page 8

PRICE OF COAL

STATE AND PRIVATE DEALERS. Mr. Hamilton asked tho Prime Minister in tho Houso of Representatives yesterday whether he thought it was right that the State should sell coal to tho public at 2s. a ton Cess than the. private dealers could buy tho coal in bulk, in view of the fact that this policy was only allowing tho fortunate people dealing with tho State to get the advantage of the cheap coal, without affecting l the price of coaS generally in Wellington, lie contended that the action of the Stato in this matter had not affected tho price of coal to the great majority of tho public of Wellington.

Mr. Masßey said that tho matter referred to by tho honourable member was under consideration at the present time. His advice was that on the total of all sales of coal by the State there was no loss, although it was quite true that a 'loss was bring made—a. slight loss -on retail sales in Wellington. Ho admitted that this loss was made, and his apology—if apology should be necessarywas that the Government was most anxious in every way possible to keep down tho cost of living for as many of the peonlo as possible. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Hamifton contended that the policy of the S.tate depot was not having the effect of regulating tho price of coal in New Zealand or even in Wellington, but only giving cheap coal to a few privileged peoplo dealing with tho State depot.

Mr. Mossev said that he admitted that comparatively fow peoplo were able t.o purchase from the Stale office, but it was worth while if the price of coal could bo kept <lown for thorn. (Ilciir, hear.)