§ 33. Mr. James Griffithsasked the Secretary for Mines the number of shots fired in anthracite coal mines in South Wales in the year 1936; what was the total tonnage of coal raised at these collieries in the same year; and whether the number of shots fired and tonnage raised were greater or less than in 1935?
§ Captain CrookshankUsing round figures, during 1936, 2,555,000 shots were fired in anthracite mines in South Wales, and 5,581,000 tons of saleable anthracite were produced. Both figures were lower than in 1935, the decreases being 128,000 shots and 293,000 tons.
§ 34. Mr. Griffithsasked the Secretary for Mines whether he has considered the representations made to him that the sale of Welsh anthracite in the Dominion of Canada is being seriously prejudiced because of the excessive profits made by the distributors in the Dominion and also because other coals, including German coals, are being sold as Welsh anthracite, to the detriment of Welsh coal; and, in view of the importance of this trade to the South Wales anthracite coalfield, whether he will take this matter up with the responsible authorities in the Dominion?
§ Captain CrookshankThese and other matters connected with the sale of anthracite in Canada have been the subject of investigation by a Royal Commission appointed by His Majesty's Government in Canada. I understand that the report of the Commission, of which a copy has been placed in the Library of the House, is under consideration by the Dominion Government.
§ Mr. GriffithsHas the hon. and gallant Gentleman, since the publication of that report, had any consultation with the Dominion Government on this matter, in view of the fact that there is considerable controversy in Canada on these points, which are having an adverse effect on the sale of Welsh anthracite?
§ Captain CrookshankI have already stated that the report is now under the consideration of the Dominion Government. I cannot, of course, go further than that.
§ Mr. GriffithsMay I repeat my supplementary question? What I desire to ask the hon. and gallant Gentleman is whether he or any member of his Department has been in consultation with the Dominion Government since the publication of the report. May I have a reply to that question?
§ Captain CrookshankReally these matters, which concern another part of the Empire, must be left primarily to the Government concerned. Unless we hear something from the Government of Canada, I do not think it would be proper for us to take action on the Royal Corn-mission's report.
§ Mr. GriffithsDo I understand from the hon. and gallant Gentleman that his Department does not concern itself with a matter which is having a very serious effect on the export trade of this country?
§ Captain CrookshankAll of these matters are, of course, matters of concern to us.
§ Mr. ShinwellDoes not the hon. and gallant Gentleman realise that the high prices which are being charged for Welsh anthracite by the distributive agencies in Canada are driving Welsh anthracite out of the Canadian market; and will he not do something in the matter?