HC Deb 21 June 1932 vol 267 cc899-900
19. Mr. SMEDLEY CROOKE

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, in view of the descriminatory action against British coal going into Germany restricting the amount entering German ports to 100,000 tons per month, he will consider the advisability of using the powers under the Import Duties Act to restrict the inflow of German products coining into this country?

Mr. COLVILLE

I would refer to the answer given yesterday by my hon. Friend the Secretary for Mines to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Blaydon (Mr. Martin), in which he announced that he was receiving a deputation from the Mining Association on this subject and that the question of what action should be taken in the matter must be reserved for further consideration following on this interview.

Mr. BATEY

Are we to understand that action is going to be taken after the interview, and before the Ottawa Conference?

Mr. COLVILLE

I cannot say anything further, because the interview takes place this week and, as was intimated yesterday, the question of what action should be taken in the matter must be reserved for further consideration.

Mr. BATEY

Are we to take it that we have not to wait until the Ottawa Conference, and that action, will be taken after the interview?

Mr. COLVILLE

This does not depend on the Ottawa Conference in any way.