§ Major KELLEYasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether the information at his disposal shows that British coal exporters are recovering the business in Europe and South America which was diverted to the United States coal exporters during the last year's coal dispute; and what are the prices ruling for American and British steam coals at Buenos Ayres and Genoa?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANYes, Sir. In round figures, British exports to the Continent of Europe increased from 4,200,000 tons in the first quarter of last year to 8,600,000 in the last, while American exports, which were 1,000,000 tons in the first quarter and rose to 2,600,000 in the second, were only 1,000 tons in the last. To South America, British exports increased from 270,000 tons in the first quarter to 600,000 tons in the last, while American exports fell from 520,000 tons to 130,000. The latest prices ruling at Genoa for Cardiff coal of first quality were 200 to 205 lire per to in wagon, and for second quality coal 195 to 200 lire per ton. American steam coal was 190 to 200 lire per ton in wagon. At the current rate of exchange, 100 lire are worth 23s. 4d. The present price of Welsh steam coal at Buenos Ayres is from 39s. 6d. to 42s. 6d. per ton, c.i.f., according to quality, and the price of American steam coal, approximately, 38s. per ton.