§ 12. Mr. BATEYasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the Swedish east coast railways have just given an order for 15,000 tons of coal to Poland; whether any negotiations have taken place with the Swedish Government as to the interchange of trade; and if it is the intention of this Government to use the tariff as a bargaining weapon with the Swedish Government?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI am informed that the Swedish East Coast Railways, which are a private concern, have placed the bulk of this order in Poland, but that part of it has been placed in Germany and in this country. Commercial negotiations with the Swedish Government have 786 been taking place and will shortly be resumed. In these negotiations the interests of the United Kingdom coal trade have been and will continue to be borne in mind.
§ Mr. BATEYWhen are the Government going to commence using the tariff as a bargaining weapon? We were told when the Import Duties Act was passed that that was to be the object of the tariff. When are you going to start?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANWe started some months ago.
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI said some months ago.
§ Mr. DICKIEIs the Minister aware that there are many companies on the North East Coast prepared to fill this order at prices lower than those quoted either by Poland or Germany? Here are telegrams from several of the companies concerned, and the only reason —
§ Mr. DEPUTY-SPEAKERThe hon. Member must put a question and must not make a speech.
§ Mr. DICKIEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the only reason why these companies are prevented from quoting at prices lower than those of Poland and Germany is the restrictions imposed under the Mines Act, 1930, with regard to the quota?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI am afraid I could not answer that question without having the facts before me.
§ Mr. DICKIEBut these are the facts. Is it not time that the Government recognised that the export trade in coal, so vital to the interests of this country, should be freed from the shackles of these restrictions?