asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can make a statement in regard to the decree issued in Germany increasing the hours of work in coal mines by 45 minutes per shift; and whether he can estimate the effect this is likely to have on the export trade of this country?

With regard to the first part of the question, I have seen a statement in the Press to the effect that a decree of the nature indicated was recently issued in Germany and inquiries are being made. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

Is this matter being discussed in the negotiations going on between the representatives of the trade in this country and the representatives of the trade in Germany?

Not to my knowledge.