HC Deb 04 December 1934 vol 295 cc1392-3
3. Mr. GEORGE HALL

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can now make a statement as to the position of the negotiations with Poland for export coal?

9. Mr. PALING

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can state the terms of the agreement recently negotiated between the British and Polish coal-owners?

Mr. E. BROWN

As I informed the House on the 27th November in reply to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Wallsend (Miss Ward), great progress was made in the discussions in Warsaw three weeks ago and representatives of the Polish coalowners have now come to London at the invitation of the British coalowners to resume negotiations. The resumed discussions began yesterday and are continuing.

Mr. HALL

Will the hon. Member be able to give us any idea early next week as to whether the negotiations have been completed and the terms of settlement?

Mr. BROWN

If the hon. Member will put down a question on Thursday, there may be an answer, although I cannot promise that there will be.

4. Mr. HALL

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can now make a statement concerning the negotiations with France and Spain for coal export from this country?

Mr. BROWN

The administration of the French quota system, in respect of imports of United Kingdom coal has recently been the subject of informal dis- cussions with the French Government, from whom a communication is expected shortly. In pursuance of the policy outlined by my right hon. Friend, the President of the Board of Trade, on 29th November, officials of the Department of Overseas Trade are now in Spain accompanied by a representative of the Mines Department.

Mr. HALL

Can the hon. Member give us any idea when these negotiations are likely to be completed? This is a matter of urgent importance to South Wales.

Mr. BROWN

I understand its importance, but I cannot give any date. I must await communications which I expect to receive.

Mr. PALING

Apart from these negotiations, can the hon. Member say whether the exports have increased during the last few months?

Mr. BROWN

If the hon. Member will put a question down, I will give him the figures.