§ Mr. LAWSON(by Private Notice) asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now able to make a statement on the reply of the German Government on the restriction of British coal imports to Germany; whether such restrictions are a violation of Treaty Rights; and in view of the reply of the British Mining Association on this question, which he has also received, what steps he proposes to take in the matter?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Runciman)I have now received the reply of the German Government to most of the questions put to them with regard to the restriction on British coal imports. This reply, in my opinion, made it clear that the action taken by Germany is inconsistent with her obligations under the Anglo-German Commercial Treaty of 1924, being discriminatory against this country. Instructions were accordingly given to the British Ambassador to make the strongest representations to the German Government and this he did on Friday. I am advised that the German Government are considering these representations at once, and I propose to await their reply before forming a view as to what further action may be necessary.
§ Mr. LAWSONWhile thanking the right hon. Gentleman for his answer, may I ask if he is aware that collieries have already been closed down in Durham as a result of this policy and can he expedite the matter in order to get some satisfactory solution?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI am glad to say that the German Government have taken the matter into consideration without any delay, and we hope to have their reply very shortly.
§ Mr. THORNEWhile these negotiations are going on will the embargo still be on the coal?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThere is no doubt about that.
§ Mr. BATEYIs it the case that the German Government have taken the action which they have taken because of the tariff policy of His Majesty's Government?