§ 88. Sir W. SEAGERasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that there is a great amount of unemployment among sailors, ship repairers, and men engaged in kindred occupations in the port of Cardiff; whether this serious situation has been created by the limited export of coal, thus causing many vessels to seek freights elsewhere; and whether, if the output per man in the South Wales coalfields were to approximate the amount produced in pre-War days, then greater export and consequent improved employment would result?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Bridgeman)I am afraid it is inevitable that the restrictions which are necessary to insure a sufficient supply of coal to the consumers in this country should, by limiting the export of coal, cause a lessening of employment to those engaged 1659 in the export trade, and this the Government regret. I agree that the solution to the problem is contained in the suggestion made in the past part of the hon. Member's question.
§ Sir W. SEAGERMay I ask if the hon. Gentleman will try to release more coal for export so that these sailors can find employment on ships which will carry it to the distant parts of the world?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThat can only be done when we get a sufficient amount to supply the demand for home purposes first.
§ Sir W. SEAGERI understand that much coal is being stored and put into reserve and could not that coal be released for export?
§ Mr. SWANIs the hon. Gentleman aware that mines are being stopped as there is not a demand for coal, consequently putting men out of work by ships lying up?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI am not aware of that and if the hon. Gentleman will tell me what mines are being stopped on account of restriction of export, I shall be glad to have the information.