§ 55. Sir NICHOLAS GRATTAN-DOYLEasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the negotiations now proceeding between the French Coal Importers' Association and the French shipowners with a view to the increased utilisation of French tonnage; and if the British Government will intervene before 1974 this scheme is brought before the French Government and becomes an accomplished fact?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANA report that such negotiations are in progress has reached me and I am having inquiries made.
§ Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLEDoes my right hon. Friend realise that damage to British shipping must necessarily follow if arrangements of this kind are carried out; and can he say if similar arrangements are being carried out in any other continental countries?
§ Captain SOTHERON-ESTCOURTHave the French Government taken any official action in this matter at all?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI can only say that I am having inquiries made.