§ MR. D. A. THOMASI beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any Parliamentary or departmental inquiry has taken place into the coal question since the Report of the Select Committee of the House of Commons appointed in 1873 to inquire into the then dearness and scarcity of coal; and whether, before formulating his Budget 1314 proposals, he had read the condemnation by the Select Committee of 1873 of the idea of an export duty on coal.
§ SIR M. HICKS BEACHIn answer to paragraph one, I have to reply no, so far as I am aware. In reply to paragraph two I have to say I was acquainted with the opinion expressed by the Select Committee, and noticed some of their arguments. But that opinion referred to proposals for imposing such a duty as would practically prevent the export of coal.
§ MR. D. A. THOMASBut is the right hon. Gentleman aware there were special objections in the case of coal which did not apply to other articles?
§ SIR M. HICKS BEACHThat was the view of the Committee.