§ 22. Mr. WELLOCKasked the Secretary for Mines whether, in view of the increasing depression in the coal trade, his Department have considered taking steps with the, object of stabilising the prices and rationing the markets of European coal?
§ Commodore KINGYes, Sir. I have frequently considered the matter, but have invariably reached the conclusion that intervention by my Department would do more harm than good.
§ Mr. WELLOCKDoes the Minister not realise that the condition of the industry is now such that international action must precede any steps to improve the industry? Does he also realise that by three months' determined action it would be possible to put the minefields of the whole of Europe on a 7-hour day?
§ Commodore KINGThose most interested in the industry are fully aware of anything relevant.