§ 56. Mr. HOUSTONasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that prior to the War coal was one of our principal exports; that this export is now greatly reduced owing to the fact that America 2101 can get and sell coal at less than half the price of British coal; whether he is aware that with the advent of millions of tons of American shipping our export of coal is likely to cease; whether he is aware that coal is the basis of ail our manufactures; that dear coal in competition with American cheap coal handicaps the export of our manufactures and results in great loss to the nation; and can he state what measures the Government propose to take to enable this country to compete with others in export trade?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Sir A. Geddes)The Government are fully aware of the serious effect on our export position not only of the reduced export of coal but also of its incidence on cost of production, but I am obviously not in a position to state whether an improvement in these respects may be looked for in the not distant future.
§ Mr. HOUSTONIs my right hon. Friend aware that this country, more than any other, depends for its existence upon our export trade, and will he take measures so that everyone in the country may be made aware of the fact?
§ Sir A. GEDDESYes. We are doing our best to inform the country in that respect.