§ 45. Mr. D. GRENFELLasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is able to make any statement as to the result of the inquiries addressed to the German Government by the British Embassy in Berlin about the import of British coal into Germany?
§ Mr. JOHN COLVILLE (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)I can only refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend to the hon. Member for Chester-le-Street (Mr. Lawson) on Monday last.
§ Mr. GRENFELLCan the hon. Gentleman not tell us whether our representations have been successful and whether the discrimination made by the Germans is likely to be removed?
§ Mr. COLVILLEAt this stage I can say nothing further, but the original answer shows that the Government regard this as a serious matter and that they have made strong representations.
§ Mr. THORNEDoes not the hon. Gentleman recognise by now that other countries are not prepared to accept the Biblical doctrine in connection with the Government's tariffs?
§ Mr. GRENFELLCan the hon. Gentleman tell us whether this action by the Germans is not in itself a reply in anticipation to the discriminatory policy of His Majesty's Government?
§ Mr. COLVILLEBy no means. In no sense can it give that impression.