§ 13. Captain PETER MACDONALDasked the President of the Board of Trade if he can state whether the negotiations with the Governments of Belgium and Germany with regard to the restrictions imposed by those countries on the importation of British coal have now reached a successful conclusion; and, if not, whether he will consider the advisability of setting a time limit after which retaliatory action shall be taken by imposing special duties against German and Belgian goods under the powers provided by the Import Duties Act?
§ tailed, I will with permission circulate them in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Mr. LUNNWill this matter be discussed at Ottawa, in view of the increasing number of miners unemployed in this country?
Mr. THOMASEvery effort will be made by the British delegation at Ottawa to get reciprocal treatment, and I know of no better field than coal.
§ Following are the particulars:
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Runciman)The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The hon. and gallant Member may rest assured that His Majesty's Government will take all possible steps to secure the successful conclusion of these negotiations.
§ Captain MACDONALDWill the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of the question? Is the discussion never to be brought to a conclusion? Is it going on indefinitely?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANNo, Sir; it cannot go on indefinitely, but we do not think it necessary at this stage to take the steps suggested.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSIn the discussions that have taken place have the countries named referred to our import duties in relation to their restriction of coal imports?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThey have made no reference whatever to our import duties.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIs the right hon. Gentleman in a position to state exactly why they are restricting coal imports to the extent that they are?