§ 11 Mr. James Griffithsasked the Secretary for Mines the reasons for the reduction of 30 per cent. in our exports of anthracite coal to France in 1938 as compared with the previous year; and what steps are being taken to restore this trade to its normal level?
§ Captain CrookshankThe decline in United Kingdom anthracite exports to France in 1938, like the corresponding decline in exports of other United Kingdom coal to this market, was mainly due to the heavy fall in the French demand for coal. It was also partly due to difficulties under the French quota system, and in respect of these I have every confidence that the position will be improved by the new arrangements to which I referred in the reply I gave to the hon. Member on 16th December last.
§ Mr. GriffithsIn view of the fact that in recent weeks there has been a continuing decline in the demand from France, is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman satisfied that during the coming summer there will be an increase in that demand?
§ Captain CrookshankI cannot forecast trade during the whole year, but I hope that the difficulties to which I referred in December will have been cleared up by the arrangements since made.