MR. H. R.FARQUHARSON (Dorset, W.)I bog to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether, having in view the loss and suffering caused to the industrial classes by the increased price of coal caused by the strikes among coal miners, Her Majesty's Government will consider the advisability of imposing an Export Duty on coal during the period of the strike, with a view to keeping the price of coal at a moderate level?
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. W. E. GLADSTONE,) Edinburgh, MidlothianEven if the Government desired to take such a step they are not at liberty to do so, and it would lie against the public interest to give effect to the suggestion. Besides, this country was under Treaty obligation with Germany not to impose an Export Duty.