Mr. T. MORRISasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can make any statement as to the effect of the new French coal scheme enforcing the carriage of coal imported by sea to the 1737W extent of 40 per cent. in French vessels on the South Wales coal trade and on British shipping usually engaged in this trade?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI have now received the text of the Bill which was voted by the French Chamber of Deputies on the 21st July and I am making inquiries as to its possible effect on the coal trade of this country and on British shipping. In the meantime, His Majesty's Government have the whole matter under consideration.