§ Captain Crookshank(By Private Notice)asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will make a statement on the negotiations in progress in Washington for the purchase of American coal for bunkering purposes; what results have been achieved, and what will be the cost?
§ The Minister of Fuel and Power (Mr. Shinwell)No such negotiations in Washington are in progress, but it is hoped that arrangements can be made, as a temporary measure, to revert to the system of double bunkering on the other side by the shipping companies.
§ Captain CrookshankWhen the Minister says that no negotiations are in progress in Washington, I take it that he means that there are no negotiations going on anywhere at all in the United States?
§ Mr. ShinwellSo far as we are aware, there are no negotiations in the United States.