§ 1. Mr. JOHNasked the Secretary for Mines if he will make available to the House the statistical agreement between British and German coal experts as to the average export of British coal into the German customs area for the first eight months of 1931 and the 20 months beginning 1st January, 1930?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Mr. Ernest Brown)In accordance with the promise I gave during the Debate on Thursday last, I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a copy of the letters in identical terms exchanged on 13th January last between the Mines Department and the German Ministry for Trade and Industry, after long investigations. In these it is agreed that during the period January, 1930, to August, 1931, inclusive, the average monthly imports of United Kingdom coal into the German Customs Area were 295,600 metric tons, including coke, coke being equal to coal, ton for ton. During the period January, 1931, to August, 1931, inclusive, the corresponding average monthly import figure was 246,367 metric tons.
Following is a copy of the letter from the Mines Department dated 13th January, 1933, to the German Ministry for Trade and Industry, Berlin: 1339As a result of the conversations which have taken place between us in London on 12th and 13th January, the United Kingdom and German coal experts agreed that the German statistical figures, namely, those of the Reich Coal Controller, should be the basis of the following statements because the United Kingdom statistics do not show the United Kingdom coal exports to Germany via Holland.
§ It was established that:
- (1) During the period January, 1930, to August, 1931, inclusive, the average monthly imports of United Kingdom coal into the German Customs Area were 295,600 metric tons, including coke, coke being equal to coal, ton for ton.
- (2) During the period January, 1931, to August, 1931, inclusive, the corresponding average monthly import figure was 246,367 metric tons.
§ If it is desired to ascertain the total imports of United Kingdom coal and coke into Germany, there must be added to the above figures those quantities imported into the Free Harbour area and those used for German and foreign bunkers. These imports, which it has not been possible to ascertain accurately for an earlier period, were for the first 11 months of 1932 at the rate of 81,000 tons per month.
§ The German coal offer of 21st December, 1932, refers only to imports into the German Customs Area, the remaining imports not being subject to the control of the Reich Coal Controller."
§ 3. Captain PETER MACDONALDasked the Secretary for Mines the approximate tonnage of coal exported to Germany in 1930, 1931 and 1932, respectively, for bunker and other purposes outside the Customs area; and whether he is satisfied that the increased competition for this market which may follow the conclusion of the Anglo-German trade agreement will not result in any reduction of the proportion of British coal purchased for such purposes?
§ Mr. BROWNThe quantities of United Kingdom coal and coke imported into the free harbour area in Germany and those used for German and foreign bunkers were, for the first 11 months of 1932, at the rate of 81,000 tons per month. No accurate ascertainment for an earlier period is available. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative, but my hon. Friend may rest assured that the position will be closely watched as we anticipated in signing the agreement that we should secure an increase in our total sales of coal and coke to Germany of at least 80,000 tons a month.
§ Mr. GODFREY NICHOLSONIn the event of the proportion of British coal imported into these areas showing a reduction, what steps will be taken by His Majesty's Government?
§ Mr. BROWNIn that case, I would remind the hon. Member that three months' notice only is required to terminate the agreement.
§ Mr. LAWSONMay we take it that the hon. Gentleman rather anticipates a danger of a reduction in the amount exported for bunker purposes?
§ Mr. BROWNThe hon. Gentleman must take what I have said in answer to the question put to me. I am not responsible for the question, but only for the answer.