61. Major BARNESasked the Lord Privy Seal if, in view of the enormous loss to the Country engendered by the enforced idleness of a great volume of tonnage owing to the sudden and continued cessation in the export of coal, he will appoint a special committee to inquire fully into the whole subject, and particularly into the working of the Coal Controller's Department?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI have been asked to reply. There has been no cessation in the export of coal; but it is true that the pressure of home demands has necessitated a material reduction in the quantities released for export. The only prospect of improvement would appear to lie in production of more coal. I do 1838 not think the appointment of a special; committee would be of material assistance in this direction.
§ Mr. HOUSTONMay I ask the Leader of the House, to whom this question is addressed, what efforts the Government are making to increase the export of coal, which is of vital importance in the matter of revenue, the price of food, exchange, and other things?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI think my hon. Friend will see that it is impossible to give a detailed answer. The Government realise to the full the importance of the export of coal, if it is not at the expense of home industries.
Major BARNESWill the right hon. Gentleman receive a deputation on the subject to place the facts before him?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI really think that is not necessary. I can assure the hon. Member that there is hardly any subject which the Government regard as of more importance.
§ Mr. HOUSTONDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that the question of exports, as well as of domestic requirements, is regulated by the output of coal, and can the Government do anything to increase output, which is already a million tons down?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI think my hon. Friend will admit that the Government have done everything in their power with this object, and they will continue to do so.