§ 73. Mr. Hugh Fraserasked the Minister of Fuel and Power what request has been made by His Majesty's Government to the European Coal Organisation for permission to purchase coal from any country whose exports are subject to European Coal Organisation arrangements.
§ Mr. GaitskellThe European Coal Organisation has been notified of the provisional agreement recently reached between the United Kingdom and Poland in so far as it concerns the importation of Polish coal. No request has so far been made to the organisation in respect of coal from other sources, but this matter is under consideration.
Major RobertsWill the Parliamentary Secretary ask the Minister to deal with this as a question of urgency, and will he also see that an immediate convocation of this organisation is held in order that we can get this coal from abroad?
§ Mr. GaitskellMy right hon. Friend is treating this matter with a full sense of urgency, and I should have thought that the hon. and gallant Gentleman would have been aware that this raises extremely delicate and difficult issues, which have to be taken into account.
Major RobertsOwing to the dereliction of duty of the Government on this matter, I beg to give notice that I will raise it on the Adjournment.