HC Deb 23 March 1932 vol 263 cc1029-30
33. Mr. MOLSON

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can make any statement as to the reasons for the award of an order for 75,000 tons of coal required by the Brazilian Central Railways to Germany instead of, as hitherto, to South Wales; and whether the Government will make representations to the Brazilian Government as to debts owing by coal importers to the exporters in this country?

The SECRETARY for MINES (Mr. Isaac Foot)

With regard to the first part of the question, if the hon. Member's suggestion is that hitherto contracts for coal for the Brazilian Central Railways have always been placed in South Wales, I would point out that Germany has secured these contracts on several previous occasions. I am not in a position to state the reasons of the Brazilian Government for awarding the recent contract of 75,000 tons to Germany. As regards the second Mart of the question, His Majesty's Government have frequently drawn the attention of the Brazilian Government to the existence of these outstanding debts, and have attempted to secure a settlement satisfactory to British firms.

Mr. BATEY

Is the policy of the Government on tariffs responsible for Brazil buying German coal instead of British?

Mr. FOOT

I think not.

Sir P. HARRIS

Is it correct that Germany agreed to a system of barter of coal for coffee?

Mr. FOOT

I believe that that question is to be raised later in discussion in the House.