§ SIR LEES KNOWLES (Salford, W.)To ask the First Lord of the Treasury, inasmuch as the supply of steam coal will be exhausted at an early date, and inasmuch as His Majesty's Government have stated that they have no control on the increasing export of it to foreign countries, whether he will consider the advisability of taking steps by legislation or otherwise to prevent the loss to the nation of this steam coal.
(Answered by Mr. A. J. Balfour.) Until the Royal Commissioners have reported I am afraid I cannot deal with the grounds upon which my hon. friend rests his Question. Still less can I make any statement as to legislation.