§ 17. Sir HENRY NORMANasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the statement that contracts for large quantities of American coal have been made for delivery to European ports; whether American coal can be purchased for delivery in Europe at prices much below those at which British coal can be supplied under present and prospective conditions; and whether in these circumstances, in view of the decreasing output of coal in this country, the rising of price, and the officially announced restriction of consumption during another year, the Government will authorise the importation of American coal, in the interest alike of British industry and the needs of the people during the coming winter?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI have been asked to answer this question. I understand that it is the fact that contracts have been made for American coal for delivery to European ports. The cost of American coal delivered in European ports is at the present time higher than that at which 170 British coal can be supplied, owing to the higher rates of freight from America. There is no restriction in the importation of coal, but American coal could only be delivered in this country at a very much higher price than that at which British coal is now obtainable.