§ 23. Mr. BOOTHBYasked the Secretary for Mines whether, in the event of approaches being made from the Continent to Great Britain for an agreement as regards markets and prices for coal, there is any official body capable of conducting negotiations on behalf of the coal industry in this country?
§ Commodore KINGAs my hon. Friend is aware, negotiations are proceeding for the formation of district associations for selling coal, and if this movement develops along anticipated lines there is no doubt that this country will in due course possess suitable machinery for the kind of negotiations he contemplates.
§ Mr. BATEYSeeing that the Government were the negotiating body for the coalowners in 1926, would they not be the proper body?
Mr. HOPKINSONIs it not a fact that our trade competitors abroad know perfectly well upon what terms any sort of agreement can be made with our coal exporters, and that it is absolutely unnecessary to set up any body of any kind?
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIn the event of these anticipated negotiations, will the hon. and gallant Gentleman take any steps to see that organised labour will be represented on such a negotiating body in view of the desire for co-operation?
§ 28. Mr. WELLOCKasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is prepared to take steps to arrange for a conference of all the parties directly concerned in the European coal industry, with a view to establishing uniform hours and wages, as the first step in the direction of the international regulation of the coal industry?
§ Commodore KINGNo, Sir.