§ 19. Mr. SHINWELLasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that Polish coal undertakings have contracted to supply the Norwegian State railways with coal at 5s. per ton less than the price asked by British contractors; and what are the respective prices per ton asked and the total amount of coal contracted for?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Commodore Douglas King)I have seen references in the Press to the purchase of Polish coal by the Norwegian State railways which no doubt the hon. Member has also seen. I have no other in formation on the subject.
§ Mr. SHINWELLWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman make inquiries, as this is a very important matter?
§ Commodore KINGNo, Sir. I do not think that it is within my power on matters of this sort to go into details of prices paid by a foreign country.
§ Mr. SHINWELLIs it not a matter for the Mining Department to obtain the facts on this very important matter regarding contracts and prices paid?
§ Commodore KINGNo, Sir; the Department have nothing to do with the actual placing of contracts. We keep in close touch with the state of the markets in this country and abroad.
§ Mr. BATEYIs it a fact that the Polish coalowners are able to undercut the Dutch coalowners owing to the large subsidy which they obtain from the Polish Government?