§ MR. D. A. THOMASI beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state the quantity of coal shipped during the year ending 31st March last at declared values on export exceeding 7s. per ton, but not exceeding 8s.; and if he has any official information explaining why the quantity shipped at values between 5s. and 6s. was nearly four times that shipped at values between 6s. and 7s.
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. RITCHIE,) CroydonThe quantity of coal exported during the year ended 31st March last, at values exceeding 7s. the ton, but not exceeding 8s. the ton, was 2,327,508 tons. I have no official information as to the reason for the larger quantities shipped at values between 5s. and 6s.; but the figures are not such as to falsify the estimates made.
§ MR. D. A THOMASDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that this is an evasion of the duty.
§ MR. RITCHIEWe always calculated that the results the hon. Gentleman deplores would follow.