§ 31. Mr. MARTINasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what arrangements are being made for discussing the problems of the coal industry at the Ottawa Conference?
Mr. THOMASThis question has for some time been receiving consideration by the Departments concerned, in consultation with representatives of the coal trade. My hon. Friend may rest assured that adequate provision will be made in the United Kingdom delegation for dealing with coal questions.
§ Mr. G. HALLWill there be someone directly responsible for dealing with this matter, as a member of the delegation?
Mr. THOMASThis problem is probably more simple than any other. The hard coal question—anthracite—is solved so far as we are concerned, fortunately, by the action of the Canadian Government. The problem then becomes one of bituminous coal, and that reduces itself to the question of the bituminous coal that can reach Montreal Harbour. We are well aware of it. We have experts considering it, and I can assure my hon. Friend that no additional expert will be necessary.
§ Mr. D. GRENFELLWill the Ottawa Conference only consider the amount of coal that may be exported direct to Canada, or the amount that may be exported elsewhere in the Dominions?
Mr. THOMASIf the question on the Paper had been directed to other countries than Canada and the Empire, I would have dealt with it. The specific question related to the Ottawa Conference, and the supplementary question did the same. As far as the British Government are concerned, they are not unmindful and will not lose sight of the value of foreign countries as well as the others to our export coal trade.
§ Mr. GRENFELLThe right hon. Gentleman has mistaken me. I asked whether the discussion at Ottawa would be con fined to coal exported to Canada, or whether countries like South Africa, Ceylon and India will come into consideration?
Mr. THOMASI do not want to make suggestions across the Floor of the House; I must ask the hon. Member to take my reply as bearing upon the whole of the British Commonwealth.
§ Mr. MACQUISTENIs it not a fact that in South Africa they have plenty of coal mines of their own, and work them more cheaply than ours?
40. Major McLEANasked the Prime Minister to what Minister should representations now be made in relation to forestry questions to be discussed at the Ottawa Conference?
§ Mr. BALDWINI would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply which I gave on Tuesday last to my Noble Friend the Member for Horsham and Worthing (Earl Winterton) and to the reply to a supplementary question arising therefrom. My hon. Friend may be in a position to develop his point in the Debate to-day.