§ 41. Mr. James Griffithsasked the Secretary for Mines whether he will consult with the Government of the Dominion of Canada, to explore the possibilities of increasing our exports of anthracite coal to that Dominion, in view of the heavy fall in the Continental demand for this class of coal?
§ Captain CrookshankNo, Sir. I am satisfied that His Majesty's Government in Canada are aware of the importance which the United Kingdom Government attach to the anthracite trade with Canada where United Kingdom anthracite already 2614 enjoys a substantial tariff preference. Both the tonnage of United Kingdom imports and the United Kingdom share of the market increased slightly in 1938 as compared with 1937.
§ 42. Mr. Griffithsasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware of the fact that a number of coal mines in the anthracite coalfield of South Wales are closed, and that some have recently been abandoned because of the serious fall in the demand in the export market, particularly the French market; and whether he will take steps to assist in the restoration of our anthracite trade with France?
§ Captain CrookshankI am aware of the decline in anthracite exports to France. This is due to the decline in French demand, but, on the other hand, I would point out that the United Kingdom share of total French imports of anthracite has increased slightly in the four months October, 1938, to January, 1939, as compared with the corresponding period a year ago. I am afraid there are no steps which I could take to increase the French demand.
§ Mr. GriffithsHas the right hon. and gallant Gentleman under consideration the advisability of approaching the French Government with a view to securing that the market for our anthracite is not penalised?
§ Captain CrookshankI would point out that our share has gone up and the general share has gone down.