44. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether, in connection with the meeting of the European Goal Organisation in Paris, he can state what is the function of this Organisation; what is the effect of its activities directly or indirectly on the distribution of British coal; whether it controls the amount of British coal which shall be available for British industry; and to what extent this Organisation is responsible for the limitation of fuel available for the essential needs of the population of this country.
§ Mr. ShinwellAs explained in the White Paper issued in January last on this subject (Cmd. 6732) the main purpose of the European Coal Organisation is to promote, during the present period of general shortage of coal and of certain types of coal mining supplies and equipment, the supply and equitable distribution of these commodities in Europe. The Organisation makes recommendations to the Governments concerned regarding the allocation of coal export surpluses, and my Department gives effect to these recommendations in so far as they relate to the limited quantity of United Kingdom coal available for export to Europe. The Organisation is not concerned with either the quantity of coal used in the United Kingdom or its distribution. With regard to the last part of the Question, I would refer to my reply to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Everton (Mr. Kirby) on 19th March.
Mr. De la BèreAs regards the last part of the reply, can we have a definite assurance that this European Coal Organisation cannot limit the supplies available to this country for domestic and industrial purposes? It is a very serious matter indeed to have an international body controlling the affairs of this country.
Mr. Shin wellIt is not a serious matter, because they have no power to interfere— we have determined that.
Mr. Shin wellI am happy to give an assurance, because so far nothing has occurred or is likely to occur.
§ Mr. WalkdenWhat are the guiding principles which determine the economic need for the rationing of coal for various European countries, particularly those which have been able to dispense with petrol rationing and other forms of fuel rationing?
§ Mr. ShinwellObviously I cannot go into details of the operation of the European Coal Organisation in reply to a question; but so far as I know all these factors are considered—coal consumption, industrial acceleration and the needs of domestic coisumers. I am bound to say, from what I know, that the European Coal Organisation acts equitably.