HC Deb 25 October 1932 vol 269 cc786-7
4. Mr. T. WILLIAMS

asked the Secretary for Mines whether his Department can give any estimate of the number of mine workers who are unemployed who are likely to be reabsorbed in the mining industry as a result of the Ottawa Agreements?

Mr. E. BROWN

No, Sir. No such estimate can be given, but it is hoped that an improvement in the coal using industries in this country will result from the Ottawa Agreements, and that this will be reflected in an increase of employment in the coal mining industry.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Could not the hon. Member's officers have made an estimate?

Mr. BROWN

Under the Agreements, the Canadian Government are increasing the preference on British anthracite from 40 cents to 50 cents a ton. This will be of benefit to the industry, but it is impossible to say how much.

Mr. WILLIAMS

How many coal orders from the Argentine are we going to lose as a result of the Ottawa Agreements?

Mr. BROWN

The hon. Member had better put that question down.