§ 43. Mr. LOUGHERasked the Secretary for Mines whether he can give a Return as to the approximate loss in the wages of colliery workers of the United Kingdom caused by the decreased exports of coal to foreign countries for the nine months commencing in June, 1924, until February, 1925, inclusive?
§ Colonel LANE-FOXUndoubtedly the industry in general, including the colliery workers, have suffered through the decrease in coal exports, but to make an estimate of the possible amount of such exports and all the circumstances affecting them such as my hon. Friend asks, would necessitate so many unreliable assumptions that I fear the result would be of little value.
§ Mr. BATEYHas the right hon. Gentleman formed any idea as to what is the cause of the decrease in the exports?
§ Colonel LANE-FOXI have.