§ 20. Sir REGINALD CLARRYasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what preference is shown by the Government of Malta towards British goods, particularly the importation into that country of coal; and whether his attention has been called to the unfair competition of subsidised Polish coal against exports from South Wales?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. J. H. Thomas)A system of preference is in operation in respect of most imports into Malta, but coal is on the free list. As most of the coal imported is destined for re-export or for the coaling trade, I am satisfied that it would be of little benefit to British coal exporters if foreign coal was subjected to a duty. The Government of Malta itself purchases British coal for its own use whenever possible.
§ Sir R. CLARRYDoes that apply to the military authorities as well?
§ Mr. THOMASPerhaps the hon. Member will put that question to the Secretary of State for War?
§ Sir JOSEPH NALLIs it not quite easy to discriminate between coal for re-exportation and coal retained for internal use?
§ Mr. THOMASI am told by those who know most about it that it would be fatal to the coal trade to impose a duty.