HC Deb 14 June 1932 vol 267 cc167-8
8. Mr. LAWSON

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can now inform the House whether the difficulties whereby the French licensing system was operating invidiously against the importing of British coal have been set aside so that Britain has now an equal chance with other countries in France?

The SECRETARY for MINES (Mr. Isaac Foot)

The difficulties to which the hon. Member refers have not yet been wholly removed, but certain changes in the quota arrangements have made the position of British coal imported into France much less unfavourable than it was a few months ago in comparison with coal imported from all other countries. The question of improving the machinery for the issue of licences is still under consideration by the trade interests concerned.

Mr. LAWSON

Can the hon. Gentleman give us a guarantee that the licences are not being used to do the same as the quota arrangement?

Mr. FOOT

It is very difficult to answer that question, because the two things are really distinct.

9. Mr. LAWSON

asked the President of the Board of Trade the nature of the latest proposals made by the German Government in answer to the British protest against discrimination in the operation of the import restrictions on British coal?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

I am not prepared to make a further statement at present as it would obviously be undesirable to publish proposals tentatively put forward by a foreign Government in the course of negotiations.

Mr. LAWSON

Are the Government really trying to do anything serious about this matter? Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the situation is rapidly becoming disastrous in some of the coal-exporting areas?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

My hon. Friend's question does not relate to the nature of the import restrictions or to their effect, but simply asks if we will publish a portion of the diplomatic correspondence, and I say that that would be improper. We are aware of the seriousness of the position, and the matter is being actively pursued.

Mr. LAWSON

We desire to know that there will be some fruit from all these negotiations, and, as I was told that the Germans had made some proposals, I asked what the nature of those proposals were. When are we to get something decisive?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

If agreement is reached upon the proposals put forward by the German Government, obviously an announcement would be made to the House.

Mr. GODFREY NICHOLSON

Is the hon. Gentleman sure that the Government are approaching the right quarters in Germany; should they not approach the industrial quarters rather than go through diplomatic channels?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

This is a matter for Government action, and we have addressed ourselves to the German Government.