HC Deb 26 April 1938 vol 335 cc10-1
21. Mr. James Griffiths

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that the shipment of anthracite coal from this country to France declined from 693,030 tons in the six months ended in February, 1937, to 499,496 tons in the six months ended in February, 1938; that this decline is attributed to the changes in the exchange value of the franc; and that the exports of German coal to France are increasing on account of the fact that the currency fluctuations are offset by the subsidy available for German exports; and whether he proposes to take any steps to recover this market for this country?

The Secretary for Mines (Captain Crookshank)

I am aware of the decline in anthracite exports to France, which, as I explained to the hon. Member in reply to a question on 15th March, results from the currency situation. With regard to the increase of 68,000 tons in German exports to France in the six months ended February, 1938, as compared with the six months ended February, 1937, I would remind the hon. Member that, over the same periods, United Kingdom exports to France of coal other than anthracite have similarly increased by 61,000 tons. With reference to the last part of the question, I am at present in consultation with the Central Council of Colliery Owners and the British Coal Exporters' Federation regarding the position of United Kingdom coal exports under the French quota system.

Mr. Griffiths

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman not satisfied that the Germans are able to offset disadvantages of that kind by subsidising their coal?

Captain Crookshank

That does not arise out of the question.

Mr. Griffiths

But that is the question which I asked. Do not the Germans sidise their exports, and in that way have they not an advantage over exports from this country?

Captain Crookshank

I think the general position is well known to the hon. Member and to the House.

Mr. Griffiths

May I have a plain answer to a plain question? Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman now satisfied that the Germans do subsidise their exports?

Captain Crookshank

It all depends on what is meant by subsidising, but there is no question about it that a certain form of assistance is given.

22. Mr. J. Griffiths

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is taking any steps to secure an increase in the export of Welsh anthracite coal to Canada during this year?

Captain Crookshank

I would remind the hon. Member that the sale of coal in overseas markets is not a function of the Government but of the coal trade. The function of the Government is, so far as possible, to secure that the United Kingdom coal trade enjoys fair treatment in such markets. This it is carrying out to the best of its ability.

Mr. Griffiths

While I appreciate that it is no function of the Government to sell coal, am I to understand that it is no function of the Government to protect Dominion markets against German competition which means loss of work for British workpeople

Captain Crookshank

I do not think I can go further than the statement which I have made, but, of course, the hon. Gentleman recognises the position of the Dominions in this matter.