§ 19. Sir R. THOMASasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department if he can state the quantity of Welsh anthracite exported to Canada during the past 12 months to any convenient date; and can he say how Welsh and American anthracite imported into Canada compare as regards average price per ton retail and the average cost per ton of transport from mine to consumer?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Commodore Douglas King)For the year ended 28th February, 1929, direct shipments of anthracite to Canada from South Wales ports amounted to 357,980 tons. As regards the remainder of the question, in such a large country as Canada costs of transport and therefore retail prices must necessarily vary so greatly that no general comparison between Welsh and American anthracite can be given.
§ Sir R. THOMASIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman not aware that there are 400,000 Canadian homes on the Eastern seaboard and that these householders prefer Welsh anthracite; and is he aware that they would get it if there was better organisation in selling?
§ Commodore KINGNo, Sir.
§ Sir R. THOMASWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman make inquiries?
§ Commodore KINGThat point does not arise out of the question, but, if the hon. Gentleman will put another question on the Paper, I will give him an answer.
§ Sir R. THOMASSurely my supplementary question does arise. I asked whether the hon. and gallant Gentleman would not take an interest in this matter and use his influence to get a better organisation in selling.