HC Deb 10 March 1931 vol 249 cc966-7
26. Colonel BROWN

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can now state the figures of coal exports for February, 1931, and those of February, 1930?

The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. William Graham)

Particulars of coal exports during February, 1931, which I presume is the month intended, are not yet available, but they will be published in the "Accounts relating to Trade and Navigation of the United Kingdom" on Thursday next. The figure for February, 1930, was given to the hon. and gallant Member on the 3rd March.

Colonel BROWN

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there has been a very considerable fall between this month and last month?

Mr. GRAHAM

That question would require notice. I am afraid that unfortunately the tendency is downwards, but my hon. Friend will give the actual figure on Thursday.

Major COLVILLE

Can the right hon. Gentleman assure us that it has nothing to do with the quota?

Mr. GRAHAM

I have repeatedly given assurances to that effect.

Mr. MARLEY

If there is any fall in the exports, will it not be partly due to the trouble in the South Wales coalfield at the beginning of the year?

Mr. GRAHAM

Certainly, the export from South Wales was affected because of the fortnight's stoppage in that area.

Major THOMAS

Was not the stoppage in South Wales due to the effect of the quota system?