§ 19. Mr. BATEYasked the Secretary for Mines whether any further representations have been made to France regarding the limitation of British coal; and whether he anticipates any abolition of the embargo?
§ Mr. ISAAC FOOTI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given yesterday by my hon. and gallant Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Department of Overseas Trade to a question by the hon. Member for Plaistow (Mr. Thorne).
§ 41. Mr. BATEYasked the President of the Board of Trade on what date the 15 per cent. tax on British coal by the French Government will cease to operate?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI am glad to be able to say that a decree has been issued in Paris this morning whereby the surtax on coal will be withdrawn as from Thursday next, 25th February.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSWould the right hon. Gentleman say whether, as a result of the withdrawal of the surtax, licences have been altered so that British exporters can increase their exports, or is the position in that respect as it was before?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANIt relieves the coal trade of the burden of the surtax. Of course, it does not affect the question of the quota.
§ Mr. HANNONIs this not a clear indication of the value of the retaliatory duties contemplated in the Import Duties Bill?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI rather regard it as an example of the French desire fur what is known as appeasement.
§ Mr. THORNEIs not an increase of the quota more important than the abolition of the 15 per cent. surtax?