§ 38. Mr. LAWSONasked the Secretary for Mines whether he has any information to the effect that Polish coal is subsidised in order to compete with British coal in foreign markets: and, if so, the form, conditions and amount of such subsidy?
§ Commodore KINGI am not aware of any subsidy given to Polish coal in order that it may compete with British coal in foreign markets. Polish coal for export gets preferential railway rates, particulars of which were given on the 6th March in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Aberdare (Mr. G. Hall).
§ Captain STREATFEILDIs my hon. and gallant Friend not aware that the effect of this Polish subsidy is that, in the case of the Scottish, and the Northumberland and Durham coalfields, a few colliery undertakings are competing with the resources of a whole nation, and that some steps should be taken by the Government to deal with this situation?
§ Commodore KINGI do not think that my hon. Friend listened to the reply.
§ Captain STREATFEILDAm I not right in saying that the railway rates are subsidised, and that that is equivalent to placing the f.o.b. price of coal on a much reduced basis?
§ Commodore KINGI said that preferential railway rates are given.
§ Captain STREATFEILDThen may I ask if that is not equivalent to a cheaper f.o.b. price?