§ 7. Mr. HOUSTONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is the intention of the Government to prohibit the export of coal from this country to Argentina and other South American countries; and, if not, can he state the monthly quantities of coal which the Government will permit to be exported to Argentina and other South American countries, giving the respective amounts for each South American country?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANIt is not proposed to prohibit the export of coal from this country to South America. The quantity expected to be available for export to South America is approximately 80,000 4 tons per month, and directions have been given that coal may be released for export to South America to this extent from the South Wales district. It is not considered feasible to sub-divide this quota in advance among the several importing countries in South America. The distribution of the estimated quantity is to be worked out by the local coal and coke supplies committee from time to time, having regard to the necessarily varying conditions of business.
§ Mr. HOUSTONIs not my hon. Friend aware of the great importance of supplying Argentina with coal, with a view to obtaining supplies of wheat from that country in exchange?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI am fully aware of that.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYWhy is this export of 80,000 tons being confined to South Wales? Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that wheat comes to other ports besides those in South Wales, and that this will mean extra freight on ships going out in ballast?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANSouth Wales ports are the main ports from which coal goes out to South American ports.