§ 44. Mr. JAMES GRIFFITHSasked the Secretary for Mines whether his attention has been called to the protest made by the secretary of the South Wales Coal-owners' Association against his action in granting permission for the importation into this country of 100,000 tons of Belgian gas coal; what were the reasons why the South Wales owners were not consulted in the matter; and whether he is aware that there is an abundant supply of suitable coal available in South Wales for the purpose for which the Belgian coal was imported?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKI have seen reports in the Press of a statement by the secretary of the South Wales Coal-owners' Association regarding the importation into this country of about 100,000 tons of foreign coke—not Belgian gas coal—but cannot accept it as a correct statement of my attitude in the matter. As regards the second part of the question, the secretary of the South Wales Coalowners' Association is a vice-chairman of the National Coke Association, with which body the question of a shortage of British coke was discussed in April last. As regards the third part of the question, I am informed that supplies of South Wales dry steam coal and of anthracite are available which could be used in some instances in the place of coke, but this is of course a question of commercial practicability.
§ Mr. GRIFFITHSIs the Minister not aware that the reason why this coal is being imported is that it is cheaper than the coal produced in this country, and will he take steps to publish the name of the patriotic British firm which prefers to buy cheap Belgian coal rather than British coal and so provide work for British miners?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKIt is not a question of coal; it is a question of coke.
§ Mr. GRIFFITHSI am sorry; it is a question of coke. May I repeat my question? Will the Minister give the name of the British firm that prefers to import cheap Belgian coke rather than buy Welsh coke or coal? May I have a reply?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKThe hon. Gentleman asks for a name, but the answer implies that I am not in a position to give it.
§ Mr. GRIFFITHSHas not the Secretary for Mines to issue a licence permitting the import of this Belgian coke, and, therefore, is it not the case that the name of the firm must be known to his Department?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKI am pleased that the hon. Gentleman has put that question. There is no question of a permit being issued to anybody. As I replied, in answer to a question in the House on 5th November, there is no question at all of permits.
§ Mr. GEORGE HALLIs it not a fact that this coke has been imported as a result of negotiation which was conducted between the hon. and gallant Gentleman's Department and those who imported the coke?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKNo, Sir, there were no negotiations.
§ Mr. GRIFFITHSThis is a very important matter, and I beg to give notice that, in view of the importance of the question and of the completely unsatisfactory replies, I will raise the matter at the first opportunity.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODThe hon. and gallant Gentleman has to give the name of the firm. That is what is wanted.