§ 4. Captain PETER MACDONALDasked the President of the Board of Trade whether any decision has yet been reached with regard to the action to be taken as a result of the discrimination by the German Government against the importation of British coal into Germany; and, if so, of what nature?
§ Mr. COLVILLEYes, Sir. I expect shortly to be able to inform the House of the nature of the communication which is being made to the German Government.
§ Captain MACDONALDIs my hon. Friend aware that this question was answered last week, and it was stated that negotiations were taking place; and has any progress been made in those negotiations?
§ Mr. COLVILLEI understand that a question has been put down for next Monday, when I hope it will be possible to say more as to the nature of the communications.
§ Mr. HANNONIs not this a matter of supreme importance and one that has 213 been before the House repeatedly for months past and when are we going to get some decision?
§ Mr. COLVILLEIt has been indicated to the House already that the German proposals are complicated by being associated with other proposals which do not relate to coal.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSDoes not this action on the part of Germany prove the futility of imposing duties?
§ Mr. COLVILLENot at all.