asked the Secretary for Mines whether, in view of the export of coal from this country having fallen by, approximately, 20,000,000 statute tons since 1930, whereas the export of coal from Germany during the same period has sustained no reduction, he will appoint a committee to inquire into the causes of this country's declining coal exports, and to make recommendations as to the measures necessary to restore our former position as a coal-exporting country?

As I informed the hon. Member on the 21st December, I do not think the appointment of such a committee would serve any useful purpose.