Mr. Jenkinsasked the Secretary for Mines if he is aware that the export of coal from South Wales and Monmouthshire fell by more than 2,500,000 tons in 1936 as compared with 1935, whereas the export of coal from Germany for the same period increased by nearly 2,000,000 tons; whether that is due to price-cutting by the use of subsidies or other causes; and, in view of the serious injury to the South Wales and Monmouthshire export coal trade, will he appoint a departmental committee to inquire into the causes of our declining share in the export coal trade as compared with Germany, and make recommendations as to the measures necessary for regaining our former position in the export of coal?
§ Captain CrookshankAccording to my information, if allowance is made for the return of the Saar to Germany as from the 18th February, 1935, the increase in German coal exports in 1936 over 1935 amounts to about 1¼ million tons. As regards the second part of the question, the decline of just over 2½ million tons in South Wales exports for the same period is principally accounted for by the interruption in 1936 of trade with Italy and Spain. With regard to the last part, I do not see that any purpose would be served by the adoption of the hon. Member's suggestion. The facts of the position are well known, and I stated the views of the Government in regard to them in reply to questions by the hon. Member on 15th June.