HC Deb 08 August 1904 vol 139 c1376
SIR LEES KNOWLES

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether His Majesty's Government exercise any and, if so, what control over the consignments or destinations of smokeless steam coal exported from Great Britain to foreign countries.

I beg also to ask the right hon. Gentleman if His Majesty's Government will take into consideration the desirability of making early provision to insure an adequate supply of smokeless steam coal for naval purposes in future years.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I may remind the hon. Member that this subjects being investigated by a Royal Commission, and until it reports I am unable to give an Answer.

SIR LEES KNOWLES

But may I remind the right hon. Gentleman that there has been exported recently to Russia 1,381,000 tons of steam coal and to Japan 87,000 tons.