§ 11. Sir John Mellorasked the Secretary for Mines whether he will make a statement with regard to the direction of the Central Council of Colliery Owners, that no inland contract should be made, beyond 31st March, 1938; and whether he is aware that, in consequence of this direction, certain industrial companies dependent on a supply of coal are unwilling at present to proceed with the erection of new plant?
§ Captain CrookshankThis direction is the subject of a complaint now before the National Committee of Investigation set up under Section 5 of the Coal Mines Act, 1930, and I can make no statement at this stage.
§ Sir J. MellorDoes my hon. and gallant Friend consider that it is in the national interest that facilities for making long-term contracts for coal should be available to foreigners and at the same time denied to British manufacturers?
§ Captain CrookshankI have just said that as this is at present the subject of a formal complaint I am not in a position to say what I think about it.