asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will consider the desirability of advising the Government to take steps for the national marketing of exportable coal on the lines suggested by the chairman of the Tredegar Iron and Coal Company?

The SECRETARY for MINES (Colonel Lane-Fax)::

No, Sir. As the hon. Member is aware, the difficulties of the coal industry, and the possible remedies for them, are now being considered by the recognised associations representing employers and employed. If they, or either of them, have any suggestion to make for any action by the Government I shall no doubt be approached in the usual way.

May we take it that the Departments are doing nothing whatever and have not the least suggestion to make in regard to recovering these markets?

No; it only means that we do not accept the suggestion.

Is it true to say investigations are still being continued by both sides?

I very much hope so.