§ 30. Mr. J. Griffithsasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that, in the negotiations for a new trade agreement between the Government of the Dominion of Canada and the Government of the United States of America, the representatives of the latter have tabled a request for the right of entry of American anthracite coal to the Dominion on the same terms as United Kingdom anthracite, either by the abolition of the duty on American anthracite or the imposition of a similar duty on United Kingdom anthacite; whether he is having 1023 consultations with the Dominion Government on the matter; and whether he can indicate the present position in the matter?
§ Captain CrookshankIt is not the practice of His Majesty's Government to give information about particular commodities in respect of which concessions are being sought in trade negotiations.
§ Mr. GriffithsWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman answer the question which I asked, which is whether his attention has been called to these negotiations, and whether there have been any consultations with representatives of the Dominion of Canada upon the matter? I ask him to bear in mind that at least one-third of the export trade in anthracite is with Canada, and that if it is lost it will be a serious matter.
§ Captain CrookshankThe whole question as I said in my answer to the hon. Member for Neath (Sir W. Jenkins) on 8th February, was brought to my attention from South Wales. The reply which I have given is in accordance with the practice in such negotiations, and it follows that I cannot answer the rest of the question.