HC Deb 20 June 1932 vol 267 cc762-3
37. Mr. MARTIN

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has considered the communication sent to him from the Mining Association asking the Government to use the Import Duties Act as a weapon with which to persuade Germany to remove the restrictions placed on the import of British coal; and whether he is prepared to take action on these lines?

The SECRETARY for MINES (Mr. Isaac Foot)

My right hon. Friend has been asked to receive a deputation of representatives of colliery owners and coal exporters on this subject, and in his absence I am arranging to receive them. I shall, of course, give careful consideration to any representations that they may make.

Mr. GODFREY NICHOLSON

Can the hon. Gentleman give us the date?

Mr. FOOT

I am hoping that it will be during the present week.

Mr. BATEY

Is that an answer to the question on the Paper?

Mr. FOOT

The question as to what action should be taken ought to stand over until there has been consultation following upon the interview for which the Mining Association has asked.

Mr. BATEY

Did not we understand when tariffs were proposed that there would be bargaining? Have they been used for that purpose?

Mr. FOOT

What was understood during the Debate on the question of bargaining depended on the outlook of each individual Member.

Mr. LAWSON

Can we have a guarantee that this question is going to be treated as matter of first-rate importance by the Government? Do the Government really understand the terrible position in the North of England as a result of this?

Mr. FOOT

No one is better acquainted with the distress in the North-East of England than those in the Mines Department.

Mr. LAWSON

In that case, how does the Secretary for Mines explain the somnolent condition of the Government in respect to this matter?