19. Lieut.-Colonel Sir F. HALLasked the Secretary for Mines what was the total export of coal to Europe from America, China, and Australia in 1913 and 1920, respectively; and what would have been the additional number of mine workers that would have been employed in this country in 1920 if British coal had not been undercut in the European markets by these foreign importations?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThe quantity of coal exported from the United States of America to Europe during the 12 months ended June, 1913 (the annual period for which the American statistics are made up), was 476,000 tons, and the quantities similarly exported in the calendar year 1913 from Australia were 100 tons, and from China 20,200 tons. During the calendar year 1920 the quantity of coal exported to Europe from the United States of America was 13,383,000 tons and from Australia 113,000 tons. The quantity of Chinese coal exported to Europe in the year 1920 is not known. As regards the last part of this question, I might point out that the British output for the last six weeks of 1920 seems to show that it would have been within the power of the British industry, without employing additional labour, to produce another 13,000.000 tons during the year 1920.
Sir F. HALLIf this enormous exportation of coal, which is taking place from America to Europe, is continued, will it not have a detrimental effect on British shipping, and will it not mean that there must be a tremendous amount of unemployment, not only with regard to shipbuilders, but also seamen to man these ships?
§ Mr. R. McLARENIs the right hon. Gentleman also aware that during 1396 October, when the strike was on, America sent a very large quantity of coal to Europe?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI am quite aware of that. Of course, any displacement of our trade by any foreign country must cause unemployment unless we can find some other outlet.
Sir F. HALLThen would it not be advisable for the miners' leaders to help the men to increase output rather than act as they have done, which has been detrimental to the coal industry of this country?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThat is rather referring to past history. The important thing is to get better agreements for the future.
§ Captain C. COOTEIs it not a fact that British coal can always compete on favourable terms with American coal, owing to the fact that on arrival American coal is so much dust?
Sir F. HALLOnce the Americans have got the trade of Europe into their hands, will it not be very difficult to get it back again?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI am not without hope of recovering it.