Mr. Jenkinsasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that the cargo and bunker exports of coal from South Wales ports fell from 19 million tons in 1933 to 15.8 million tons in 1936; whereas exports of coal from Germany during the same period increased from 18.1 million tons to 26.6 million tons; whether the expansion of the German export coal is due to ordinary trade competitive methods or to subsidies and other devices which are not available to the British coal exporters; and, if the latter, what steps does he propose to take to ensure fair conditions of trade for the exporters of coal from this country?
§ Captain CrookshankWith regard to the first part of the question, I would point out that the hon. Member has failed to take account of the return of the Saar to Germany in 1935. Coal exports (including bunkers) from Germany and the Saar together amounted to 1933 to 22.7 million statute tons, the corresponding figure for 1936 being 28.5 million statute tons. While the export of coal from Germany to some markets is aided by special exchange facilities and other financial methods, the principal factor in 557W the general increase in German exports is undoubtedly the operation by the Rhenish-Westphalian Coal Syndicate of a levy system. As regards the third part of the question I have no statement to make at present.