HC Deb 18 December 1936 vol 318 cc2803-4
26. Mr. G. HALL

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that the British Army in Palestine is being supplied with German coal carried there in German ships, and when the Army authorities were offered a supply of British coal they declined the offer on the ground that they were making their own arrangements; and will the Government take steps to deal with this matter?

The UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE for AIR (Sir Philip Sassoon)

Contracts for the supply of coal for Royal Air Force and Army units in Palestine are placed locally and I have at present no information on the points raised by the hon. Member. Inquiries have been instituted, and I will communicate with him at the earliest possible moment.

Mr. HALL

Will the Under-Secretary issue instructions that where British coal is available it should be used?

Sir P. SASSOON

I am not sure that such an instruction does not exist now.