HC Deb 20 July 1937 vol 326 cc1946-8
62. Mr. James Griffiths

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that the exports of Welsh anthracite to the United States of America declined from 177,285 tons in 1930 to 60,941 tons in 1936 and that the imports of Russian anthracite into the United States of America increased from 193,131 tons in 1930 to 425,000 tons in 1936; whether he can give reasons for this decline in Welsh exports to the United States of America; and what steps he is taking to deal with the matter?

The Secretary for Mines (Captain Crookshank)

I am aware that there has been an increase in imports of Russian anthracite into the United States of America, and a decline in imports from South Wales, in spite of the fact that Russian anthracite is subject to an import duty of two dollars per short ton, from which Welsh anthracite is exempt. The cause is presumably a very low price for Russian anthracite, which allows it to compete successfully with the United States product as well as with other imported anthracite. Since United Kingdom anthracite already enjoys a very large tariff preference, I do not see what steps are open to me.

Viscountess Astor

Could my hon. and gallant Friend tell us whether the reason why the Russian anthracite is cheaper is that women work in the mines in Russia?

Captain Sir William Brass

Is any of the shipping which carries the anthracite subsidised?

63. Mr. J. Griffiths

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that the exports of Welsh anthracite to France in 1936 showed a reduction of 139,503 tons as compared with 1933, and that the imports of anthracite into France from Russia and Indo-China in the same period showed an increase of 192,000 tons; whether he can give reasons for this decline in Welsh exports; and whether he is taking any action in the matter?

Captain Crookshank

I am aware of the position described in the first part of the question. I would remind the hon. Member that Indo-Chinese anthracite, being a colonial product, is exempt from quota and import duties in France while the increase in Russian imports appears to be mainly due to the allocation of a quota to that country as from the year 1934. I am glad to be able to inform the House that exports of United Kingdom anthracite to France during the first six months of 1937 show an increase of over 117,000 tons, or over 24 per cent., as compared with the first six months of 1936.

Mr. Griffiths

Is it not also a fact that the exports of other countries have increased at the same time; and in view of the fact that our exports of coal continue to decline, are the Government really considering any steps in the matter? Is not the time overdue for pressing for a European coal agreement to regulate and fix exports?

Captain Crookshank

I think that I have answered all those questions separately at different times in the last few weeks. As regards the decrease, I pointed out that, as far as this country is concerned, there has been an increase of 24 per cent. this year.

Mr. Griffiths

If the hon. and gallant Gentleman does not think that the time is opportune for an agreement, may I ask him what steps the Government think ought to be taken and are taking in this matter?

Captain Crookshank

I have already expressed my views on that point.