Mr. Jenkinsasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that during the first four months of this year coal exports from Germany to the Argentine increased by 74 per cent., while the increase in the quantity of coal supplied to that country from the United Kingdom was only 7 per cent.; and that British coal exports to Canada were considerably reduced while from Germany there was an increase compared with the corresponding period last year; if this is due to price cutting and heavy subsidisation of German coals; and, if so, what steps does he propose to take to ensure to the British coal export trade the maintenance of its normal markets?
§ Captain CrookshankWhile I am aware that the position is as stated by the hon. Member, I would point out that in the case of the Argentine the actual increase of coal exports in tons from the two countries is approximately the same, although when expressed as percentage increases over the corresponding period of the previous year the figures are as quoted. As regards Canada, which is a seasonal market, the hon. Member no doubt appreciates that no reliable inference can be drawn from a comparison based on the first few weeks of the shipping season. With regard to the third and fourth parts of the question, I have nothing to add to the replies which I gave to the hon. Member and to the hon. Member for Llanelly (Mr. J. Griffiths) on 15th June.