SIR RICHARD REDMAYNE'S EVIDENCE BEFORE THE COAL' COMMISSION [To the
Editor of the SPECTATOR.]
Sfa,—The sensational headings in certain of the daily papers about the middlemen and coal merchants have caused much discussion and uneasiness. Sir Richard Redmayne said " coal for which he paid 47s. per ton could be bought for 15s.
at the pit or even less." Unfortunately' the witness could not be cross-examined as to his facts because the much abused coal merchant or distributor is not represented at the Commission. The worst criminal is entitled to some sort of defence.
Not a single coal merchant in this country is buying decent coal at anything like this price. Naturally the merchant buys a quality that will suit his customers the best and bring increased business. It would no doubt surprise Sir Richard to hear that large quantities are now being sold to merchants at 40s., and even up to 43s., per ton at the pit-head for first grade drawing-room coal. Competition amongst distributors is very severe indeed, much more so than in the majority of trades.
It is quite a mistaken idea to suppose there is anything new in the idea of collieries supplying coal direct to the consumer, even in the smallest lots. It has been tried over and over again during the past twenty-five years or even longer. Merchants who probably stock anything up to forty different sorts and can obtain their requirements in an open market are in a much stronger position to meet and suit the different tastes of their customers. Experience has proved that the distribution side cannot be successfully performed by concerns drawing anything up to ten thousand tons per day or even as high as twenty, as in some cases.
We do not fear the Co-operative Societies in spite of the fact that they enjoy freedom from Income Tax. During the period of " controlled prices," the merchants enjoyed much larger profits than ever they had before or since I Individual effort and freedom from State interference or any control must
give the best service to the public.—I am, Sir, &e., _
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