§ 23. Mr. James Griffithsasked the Secretary for Mines whether steps are 1181 being taken to secure the retention and expansion of our export trade in coal; and whether steps are being taken to secure the markets formerly supplied by Poland and subject to the provisions of the Anglo-Polish Coal Trade Agreement?
§ Mr. LloydThe hon. Member may rest assured that all possible steps are being taken to maintain and expand the export of coal.
§ Mr. GriffithsWhat steps are being taken by the hon. Gentleman's Department to organise the industry for this purpose? Is he just leaving it to the owners?
§ Mr. LloydI would not like this afternoon to go into detail on this matter. There are reasons why it is better not to do so, but I can assure the hon. Member that it is under very careful consideration in connection with the Ministry of Economic Warfare, as well as my own Department.
§ Mr. GriffithsWho is considering this matter? Are the men being consulted?
§ Mr. LloydI do not think the men are being consulted as to the actual destination of the output of coal, but they are being carefully consulted as to methods of increasing the output.