HC Deb 02 December 1926 vol 200 cc1342-4
Captain A. EVANS

(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary for Mines whether, in view of the settlement which has been arrived at between the owners and men in the South Wales coal area and the importance of the coal export trade to the commercial community, especially in the Cardiff district, where it is the sole livelihood of the majority, he will remove the embargo on coal, coke and patent fuel exports at the earliest possible moment, and, in the case of such coals as are unsuitable for domestic purposes, repeal the embargo immediately?

Sir CLEMENT KINLOCH-COOKE

On a point of Order. Before this question is answered, may I ask your ruling, Mr. Speaker, as to whether a Member may ask a question by Private Notice, when a question to exactly the same effect is on the Paper?

Captain EVANS

On that point of Order. May I respectfully remind you, Sir, that I handed in this question to you at 7.45 last evening, and I was not aware that another question had been put on the Order Paper this morning; but, as it is a question of the utmost importance—and I am sorry if the hon. Baronet does not agree in that—

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

I did not say that.

Mr. SPEAKER

To which question does the hon. Baronet refer?

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

I refer to a question similar to the one asked by my hon. Friend, which was placed on the Paper for Monday. If my hon. and gallant Friend desires to ask it, I have no objection.

The SECRETARY for MINES (Colonel Lane Fox)

I have already taken action in this matter. As from midnight last night, the export from South Wales of coal and patent fuel is permitted in cases where it is impossible to find a market for it in this country. Permits will be granted by the South Wales Coal Shipment Emergency Committee, to whom application should he made. It is not yet possible to allow the export of coke, in view of the state of stocks.

Sir NICHOFAS GRATTAN-DOYLE

Will my right hon. Friend also take into consideration the giving of similar facilities to the North-east coast?

Colonel LANE FOX

Yes, Sir; that also has been done.

Mr. TAYLOR

Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to see that the British consumer is not charged £1 a ton more than is paid for exported coal?

Colonel LANE FOX

That does not arise out of this question.

Lieut.-Colonel LAMBERT WARD

Have the restrictions also been removed on the export of coal from Hull?

Colonel LANE FOX

Not yet.

Lieut.-Colonel WARD

May I ask why not?

Colonel LANE FOX

It would take too long to explain, in an answer to a question.

Mr. MARDY JONES

Was this question put down at the request of the Secretary for Mines, to enable him to give an answer?

Colonel LANE FOX

No, I knew nothing about it.