HC Deb 31 July 1940 vol 363 cc1226-7
32 and 33. Mr. Magnay

asked the Secretary for Mines (1) whether he is aware that an order placed on 12th July, 1940, for Durham coals to be delivered to consumers in the Argentine cannot be given a clean acceptance because the South Wales Coal Control refuses to give permission to Durham to export the cargo; and, as the buyers want Durham and not South Wales coal, and it is admitted the order is additional to orders and requirements for Welsh coals ordered by the same buyers, will he take steps for the Durham Coal Control to issue a sales permit without delay;

(2) whether he is aware that the attitude of the South Wales Coal Control in putting their own interests before those of the nation is obstructing the Government's need of increasing our exports; and will he take steps to permit the prompt shipment of Durham coals whenever orders for these are received in order to comply with the Government's and the miners' own express desire to share equally the available coal trade?

The Secretary for Mines (Mr. David Grenfell)

I understand that the Argentine buyers in this case have large contracts for Welsh coal, still uncompleted; and that they have not in the past been regular buyers of Durham coal. In normal times it would doubtless be for the general convenience that inter-district arrangements in regard to allocation of markets should be fully respected, but the present times are not normal. The national interest urgently demands that our coal exports should be maintained at the highest possible level and if it so happens that shipping is available for sending this coal from Durham and cannot be made available from South Wales, I am satisfied that it should be so sent and I am giving directions accordingly.

Mr. Magnay

Has the hon. Gentleman noted the significance of the word "additional" which appeared in a cablegram I saw and passed on to the President of the Board of Trade? They do not want South Wales coal, but Durham coal, in addition to the orders they have given to South Wales. Will the hon. Gentleman kindly ask the South Wales people to keep off the Durham coal pitch?

Mr. Grenfell

My hon. Friend bases his testimony to the House on a briefly worded telegram. He has not in mind the whole of the facts, and I have given the answer appropriate to the occasion.

Mr. Batey

Will the hon. Gentleman say whether the statement in the Question is true, namely, that the order given for Durham coal cannot be delivered?

Mr. Grenfell

These are the circumstances. Large orders from South Wales have not been completed, and because of that Argentine buyers said they would buy Durham coal if it could be sent. Their preference is not for Durham coal.

Mr. Magnay

Will the hon. Gentleman look at the correspondence I have, after wards?

Mr. Grenfell indicated assent.