§ 47. Mr. D. GRENFELL (for Mr. LAWSON)asked the President of the Board of Trade the countries with which he is now negotiating trade agreements in which British coal is involved; and if he can state the tonnage of the export coal involved in these negotiations?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Mr. E. Brown)Coal is prominent among the articles which are under discussion in the case of all the countries with which negotiations are now proceeding. It is clearly impossible to indicate the extent of the concessions which may be secured until the agreements have been concluded.
§ Mr. GRENFELLWill the hon. Gentleman inform the House of the countries with which trade agreements are being negotiated?
§ Mr. BROWNThe countries with which we are negotiating trade agreements are Argentina, Denmark, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. In addition, we are in communication with the German Government in regard to their restrictions on the importations of United Kingdom coal.
§ Mr. GRENFELLWill the hon. Gentleman be able soon to inform the House of the progress in these matters?
§ Mr. ANEURIN BEVANAre any discussions proceeding with France?