HC Deb 29 April 1901 vol 93 cc50-1
MR. D. A. THOMAS

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the summary statement of coal exports in the Return issued on Tuesday last (Parliamentary Paper, No. 119) shows the exports of coal to four of the ten market groups to have been less in 1900 than in the previous year, five years previously, and than nine years previously, and that such was also the case in the Far East group when allowance is made for the extra quantities of coal supplied in that market in consequence of the complications in China; and whether he has information showing the deficiency to be owing to a smaller consumption of coal in those markets, or to have been made up from other sources of supply.

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

The facts are as stated so far as regards the diminution of exports of coal from the United Kingdom to four of the least important market groups. I am unable to give figures for 1900 respecting the consumption of coal in these markets, or the extra quantity of coal supplied to British war vessels in the Far East.

MR. D. A. THOMAS

The right hon. Gentleman has not answered the last part of the question.

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

Yes, I said I was unable to give the figures respecting coal consumption in these markets.

MR. D. A. THOMAS

My point is this: has the deficiency been made up from foreign sources?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

I cannot say definitely if the falling off is due to the greater output in the countries concerned.

MR. D. A. THOMAS

But cannot you say how in these four markets it has been made up?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

I am unable to answer that.

MR. D. A. THOMAS

That is sufficient. You are unable to answer the question.