34. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will state the duration for which it is intended to continue the operations of the European Coal Organisation; what authority will decide whether it would be practicable to wind it up; and whether it is possible for this country, on giving notice, to withdraw from membership.
§ Mr. ShinwellFull particulars of the provisions covering all the points raised by the hon. Member are given in Command Papers Nos. 6732 of 1946 and 7041 of 1947.
Mr. De la BèreHas not the right hon. Gentleman told us, over and over again, that there was a shortage of domestic coal? Why was it necessary to send to the European Coal Organisation, during 1946, not only domestic coal, but also coal for horticultural purposes, which went to Holland?
§ Mr. ShinwellNo domestic coal of any sort or kind was exported in 1946.
Major RobertsCan the Minister say if this organisation will enable this country to obtain coal from the Ruhr; and will he see that this organisation is kept in existence?
§ Mr. ShinwellI am afraid I cannot do that.
§ Mr. ShinwellWhat you asked me.
§ Mr. YoungerIs the Minister aware that the European Coal Organisation is playing an extremely useful part in European countries, and that nothing will save us so many dollars so soon as the recovery of European production?
§ Captain CrookshankThe right hon. Gentleman says that no coal at all was exported in 1946—
§ Captain Crookshank—that no domestic coal was exported in 1946; but surely some was sent to Ireland?
§ Mr. ShinwellI am glad that the right hon. and gallant Gentleman has recovered from his first inaccuracy. That is a change, at any rate. The answer is that which I have given—no domestic coal was exported last year, not even to Eire.
§ Major BruceIs the Minister aware that one million tons of coal were exported from this country between January and August, 1945?
§ Mr. ShinwellThat may well be, but so far as domestic coal is concerned none was exported last year.
§ Mr. AsshetonWill the right hon. Gentleman tell us exactly what he means by "domestic" coal?
§ Mr. ShinwellI mean coal intended for domestic use; household coal of good quality. Any coal exported last year, whether to Eire or anywhere else, was coal of inferior quality that nobody in this country wanted to use.
Mr. De la BèreIn view of the utterly misleading nature of that reply, I beg leave to give notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment.
35. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Fuel and Power the total administrative cost of the European Coal Organisation for 1946; and for what proportion of that cost this country was liable.
§ Mr. ShinwellThe audit and final statement of the accounts of the European Coal Organisation for 1946 have not yet been completed. The total expenditure of the Organisation for that year is estimated at £50,870. The amount contributed by His Majesty's Government was £12,120.
Mr. De la BèreWill the right hon. Gentleman indicate what particular advantage this country acquired from this organisation, other than to add to our ever increasing shortages?
§ Mr. ShinwellIn the opinion of all sensible people it was money well spent.
§ Mr. ShinwellMy answer is that occasionally the hon. Gentleman is sensible.