§ Sir CLEMENT KINLOCH-COOKE (by Private Notice)asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can now give any details as to the Decree placing an embargo on the importation of coal into France; is he aware of the anxiety prevailing in South Wales, owing to the fact that extensive contracts are held by South Wales shippers with French importers, including some 2,000,000 tons with French railways for delivery over the remainder of the year, and can he assure the House that all possible steps will be, taken to ensure these contracts being carried out?
Mr. SAMUELThe Decree issued on 25th May prohibited the importation into France from 1st June of coal, coke, lignite and patent fuel except under licence, but a general licence has been issued for the importation of coal for coking plants. The operation of the Decree was subsequently postponed till 10th June. His Majesty's Ambassador in Paris has made strong representations against this measure, and has specially urged that existing contracts should be respected.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEIs my hon. Friend aware that there is considerable disquietude at the present moment in the minds of both exporters of coal in this country and importers of coal in France?
Mr. SAMUELYes, certainly. But I would remind my hon. Friend that the Decree was postponed to 10th June, that is to say, till only three days ago, and we are not yet really certain that it has actually been put into operation. We have to-day telegraphed to His Majesty's Ambassador In Paris asking him to make very extensive inquiries, and I shall, in the course of a few days, be able to give further information. I should also add this, that it is assumed that licences will be given pretty freely for domestic coal, and that the restrictions are intended primarily to apply to railway supplies and to those of public utility concerns.
§ Mr. J. JONESIs the hon. Member aware that the French Government are simply acting upon the lines of the British Government—tariff reform: protecting themselves?
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEIs the hon. Member doing all he can to carry out the contracts for coal from South Wales for the French railways?
Mr. SAMUELYes. Sir. Undoubtedly His Majesty's Government are watching this matter with great anxiety, but I am not in a position to give any information for a day or two. We do not know what the facts are. Only three days have elapsed since 10th June. If the question were deferred, I think I might be able to give information which might be of use.
§ Mr. LAWSONCan the hon. Member give the House any information as to the amount of tonnage that is likely to be affected by this export order?
Mr. SAMUELNo, Sir; because we do not know exactly how it will operate. His Majesty's Ambassador in Paris is at this very moment making full inquirie.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEIf I put a question down for Wednesday, will the hon. Member be in a position to reply?
Mr. SAMUELI will try and will do my best, but I think it would be better to let it stand over for seven days.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the hon. Member addressing himself to this aspect of the question, that there will be increasing trouble of this sort affecting all the coal exporting ports unless the international question of over-production generally is taken into consideration? Is that matter engaging attention? Has the hon. Member any constructive proposals?
Mr. SAMUELThat is another question. I am confining myself to the question put by the hon. Member for Cardiff East (Sir C. Kinloch-Cooke).
§ Mr. G. PETOWill the hon. Member consider taking retaliatory action in regard to French wines?
§ Mr. BATEYHas the hon. Member come to any conclusion as to the reason for the French Government taking this action?