HC Deb 21 March 1933 vol 276 cc186-7
5. Mr. MAXTON (for Mr. McGOVERN)

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total amount of coal sent from this country to the Irish Free State from the passing of the Import Duties Act to 1st March, 1933, and for the same period in the previous year?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

During the 12 months ended February, 1933, the domestic exports of coal from the United Kingdom consigned to the Irish Free State amounted to 1,778,000 tons, as compared with 2,406,000 tons in the preceding 12 months.

Colonel GRETTON

Can the right hon. Gentleman say from what other countries the Irish Free State is importing coal?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

They are filling up the gap left by the absence of British coal by coal imported from Germany and Poland.

Mr. MAXTON

Does that represent in value a greater amount than has been obtained from the Irish Free State in the form of duties?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I could not say without notice.