HC Deb 25 February 1935 vol 298 cc763-4
28. Mr. GEORGE HALL

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Italian Government has decided to impose a quota upon imports of coal into Italy; that this quota will severely limit British coal shipments to that country, as the quota allotted until 31st March has already been exceeded; and, as there are several ships at Cardiff and other Welsh ports already loaded with coal for Italy, will he state what action is proposed to deal with this matter?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE, (Dr. Burgin)

I am aware that the Italian Government has decided to impose a quota upon imports of coal, and of many other commodities, into Italy, and I am endeavouring to ascertain as quickly as possible what is likely to be the precise effect of the new decree, which was promulgated on 19th February, upon our coal shipments and other exports to Italy. As regards the last part of the question I am informed that the Italian Government have now decided to admit all coal destined for Italian consumption that actually left the country of origin before 19th February. No information is yet available as to the position of coal loaded or ready for loading but not yet on its way on 19th February, but urgent representations are being made to the Italian Government on the whole matter.

Mr. HALL

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether information was given by the Italian Government of their decision before the traders themselves were informed that they were not to ship other coal there?

Dr. BURGIN

That is an important matter which I think had better be put on the Paper. Wherever a quota is suddenly imposed upon contracts in course of being executed, we endeavour invariably to avoid hardship. Urgent representations are being made to the Italian Government on the propriety of exempting coal already ordered for which arrangements have been made, and we earnestly hope that some result upon those lines will be achieved.

Mr. HALL

Arising out of the further reply, can the hon. Gentleman say whether the representations are also dealing with this question of the quota which is a very serious matter for South Wales, because South Wales is the coalfield which supplies the bulk of the coal to Italy?

Dr. BURGIN

It is well understood that the representations are covering that point.

Mr. LAWSON

Do I take it that the representations also include contracts already entered into?

Dr. BURGIN

That is so.