HC Deb 14 March 1932 vol 263 cc35-6W
Sir W. JENKINS

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) the average price of coal exported from South Wales, free on board, for 1913 and 1921 to 1931, inclusive; and the prices from October, 1931, to the last available date;

(2) what quantity of coal was exported from South Wales in 1913 and from 1921 to 1931, giving each year separately, and giving the quantity exported for November and December, 1931, and for January and February, 1932, or the latest available date; and whether the last few months show an increase or decrease, and the name of the country of destination?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

The following table shows the total quantity and the average declared value per ton (f.o.b.) of coal exported from South Wales ports during the undermentioned periods:

Period. Quantity. Average declared value per ton (f.o.b.).
Thousand
tons. s. d.
1913 29,785 15 5
1921 12,246 37 5
1922 25,625 24 7
1923 30,045 26 4
1924 25,624 25 4
1925 21,399 23 8
1926 9,279 20 10
1927 22,564 20 2
1928 21,389 17 8
1929 24,677 18 4
1930 23,245 19 1
1931: Year 17,986 19 0
October 1,630 19 7
November 1,450 19 6
December 1,422 19 5
1932: January 1,365 18 7

The above figures do not take into account coal shipped for the use of steamers, etc., engaged in the foreign trade (including fishing vessels). I am not sure what precise information in regard to exports during the last few months the hon. Member desires, but I am sending him a table regarding exports from the Bristol Channel ports for each of the four months ending January last, showing the principal countries of destination.