HC Deb 22 June 1915 vol 72 cc1062-4W
Mr. GINNELL

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can state approximately the gross quantity and value of charcoal imported by Great Britain, France, and the United States of America, respectively, in the last completed year prior to the War; the percentage of reduction of quantity and increase of price of charcoal imported by Great Britain since the War began; and whether, to give Ireland a chance of founding a new industry, he will have the yield and value of charcoal made from deep-level Irish peat by the Zohrab process, plus the value of the gas and bye-products, tested by his Department and the result made known at an early date?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

The following statement gives such information as is available respecting the imports of charcoal into the three countries named:—

Quantity. Value.
United Kingdom (1913) Not recorded £28,314
France (1913) 3,861 tons £11,000
United States (year ended 30th June, 1913) Not recorded £5,214

As regards the last part of the question, I have nothing to add to the oral answer on this subject given to my hon. Friend to-day.