§ 52. Mr. BATEYasked the President of the Board of Trade if it is the intention of the Government to abrogate the trade agreement with Poland, seeing that the Polish Government subsidises the transport of coal which has driven British coal out oz the Scandinavian markets and thereby thrown a number of British miners out of employment?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLENo, Sir.
§ Mr. BATEYAs the Government are abrogating the trade agreement with Russia in the interests of Canada, is it 590 not considered that the miners of this country have an equal claim upon the Government?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEThat is certainly so. But the loss of these markets was largely due to the unfortunate stoppage of 1926. Present indications are that the markets are being regained.
§ Mr. BATEYIs the Minister not aware that since 1926 the Polish Government have been subsidising the carrying of coal?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEIn our discussions with the market concerned, we shall continue our endeavours to get get it back for the British coal industry.
§ Mr. GODFREY NICHOLSONHave the Government any definite policy with regard to Polish coal?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEYes, certainly.
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLETo get the orders for the British industry.