§ 68. Mr. Dayasked the Secretary for Mines what information and/or complaints he has received regarding a large quantity of anthracite coal from Russia that has been sold to the Canadian market; and to what extent this will affect the export of coal from this country?
§ Captain CrookshankI have received no recent information or complaints regarding the sale of a large quantity of Russian anthracite to Canada. Canadian imports of Russian anthracite during 1937 amounted to 154,500 tons. With regard to the second part of the question, as I explained in reply to a question by my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Cardiff East (Mr. T. Morris) on 12th November, 1936, imports into Canada from Russia will not exceed 250,000 tons in any one year, so that the effect of Russian competition in the market is to that extent limited.
§ Mr. DayDoes the Minister's information show that negotiations are pending now for the delivery of large quantities to Canada from Russia?
§ Captain CrookshankNo, Sir, but I dare say this is the time of year at which contracts are being signed. I do not know.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsAm I correct in understanding the Minister to say that he has received no complaints about this matter; and is it not the fact that the quantity of 250,000 tons which is the limit for the importing season compares with no imports at all from Russia two years ago?
§ Captain CrookshankIf the hon. Member will refer to the statement which I mentioned in my reply, he will see all that set out.