HC Deb 26 April 1901 vol 92 cc1437-8
MR. D. A. THOMAS

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade if, before the Report stage of the Ways and Means Committee (Coal) Resolution, he will lay upon the Table a Return showing the export of seaborne coal for the years 1890 to 1900, inclusive, from the United States of America, India, Australasia, and Japan to, say the half dozen countries to which the largest quantities are in each case shipped; and if it is not practicable to issue such a Return in time, will he arrange that the information shall be furnished to any Member who may apply at the Board of Trade.

THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. GERALD BALFOUR,) Leeds, Central

No. Sir, it is not practicable to prepare such a Return within the time specified, and I am not convinced that its utility is sufficient to justify the very considerable labour entailed in its preparation.

MR. D. A. THOMAS

I only ask for a Return as to half a dozen countries.

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

Yes, but it would be very voluminous.

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