§ 80. Mr. LOUGHERasked the Secretary for Mines whether he will furnish statistics showing the coal production of France for 1913 and 1924, respectively, and the consumption of coal in France and the imports of foreign coal into that country for the same period; and whether his Department has considered any measures and can make any recommendations to assist coalowners and coal exporters in meeting the competition which is being directed against the coal export trade of this country?
§ Colonel LANE-FOXThe quantity of coal consumed in France in 1913 was approximately 70½ million (metric) tons, of which 43 million tons were raised at French mines and 26 million tons were imported. In 1924, the corresponding figures were 74 million tons, 44 million tons and 30 million tons. These figures cover Alsace-Lorraine and include the coal equivalent of coke and patent fuel. The point raised in the last part of my hon. Friend's question falls within the scope of the extensive inquiry now being carried on by the Committee on Industry and Trade.