§ Sir R. Clarryasked the Secretary for Mines whether any steps, by way of international agreement or otherwise, are being taken to prevent any serious falling off in future years of coal exports from South Wales; and whether consideration is now being given by his Department to prevent as far as possible future slump conditions in the export of coal?
§ Captain CrookshankAs I have stated in reply to previous questions, the question of an international coal agreement is422W primarily one for the coal trade itself; I am sure that they are not neglecting consideration of its possibilities. As regards Governmental action to protect the coal export trade, whether of a particular district or of the country as a whole, I would remind by hon. Friend that one of the principal objectives of the Government has been to safeguard so far as possible by every practicable means, and particularly by commercial negotiations, the share of the United Kingdom in foreign coal markets. The Government will continue to take advantage of every opportunity of furthering this object.