3. Lieut.-Colonel Sir F. HALLasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Government have placed a limitation on the quantity of coal to be exported as cargo; and, if so, what are the terms of such limitation as regards the districts or ports from which coal cargoes may be exported and the quantities allowed?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Bridgeman)The total quantity of coal available for export from the United Kingdom, having regard to the present rate of output and to inland requirements, has been settled by the Controller of Coal Mines, in agreement with the representatives of the exporting districts, at 1,750,000 tons per month. Of this quantity, 1,125,000 tons is to be drawn from the Monmouthshire and South Wales district, 350,000 tons from Durham, 210,000 tons from Northumberland, and 65,000 tons from Scotland.
Sir F. HALLDoes that mean that from the Humber and North-West ports no coal will be exported as cargo?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI think that matter is under consideration, but it is very unlikely that much can be exported.
Sir F. HALLIs it not a fact that coal is the only bulk cargo that is exported from this country, and if that is prohibited will it not have the effect of causing a tremendous rise with the cost of goods that have to be imported, owing to the ships going out in ballast?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI quite agree as to the bad effect of not having coal to export, but the difficulty is that we have not got enough.
Sir F. HALLDoes the hon. Gentleman not recognise how enormously the quantity is being reduced? Cannot the Board of Trade see whether it is not possible to increase the amount?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANOf course, I recognise that, but we cannot make the coal.