§ 23. Mr Thorneasked the Minister of Fuel and Power what the Government receive in exchange for the coal they export to various foreign countries.
Major Lloyd GeorgeThe limited quantities of coal shipped to foreign countries 1550 are exported either to meet the operational needs of our Forces overseas or in order to obtain supplies essential to the United Nations' war effort. My hon. Friend will realise that I could not on security grounds give details of these supplies.
§ Mr. Rhys DaviesIn view of the right hon. and gallant Gentleman's answer to a previous Question to-day are we to take it for granted now, that we do export coal for sale abroad, in return for supplies coming into this country for the war effort?
Major Lloyd GeorgeThere is nothing inconsistent in this reply with the one I have given to the hon. Member. I have always said in this House that we export the minimum which is necessary, that is either for operational purposes directly, or for the furtherance of the war effort of this country.
§ Mr. ThorneWhat is the difficulty in giving a return of the export of coal?
Major Lloyd GeorgeThe trouble is that a great deal of this coal is directly concerned with operations and, therefore, I cannot disclose the figures.
§ Mr. ShinwellOn what basis are we supplying coal to the civilian population of Italy, and are we getting anything in return for it?
§ Sir Joseph LambCan my right hon. and gallant Friend give us an assurance that every effort is being made to produce coal in those countries where mining areas have been liberated?
Major Lloyd GeorgeI can assure my hon. Friend we are doing everything we possibly can to increase the output of coal in these various districts, and also to increase that of other parts of the world. I assure him that I am doing everything I possibly can to make them as self-supporting now as possible.