§ 36. Mr. Dribergasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that Poland exports considerable quantities of coal to Sweden, but does not require to import timber; and if, in the course of the trade-discussions with Poland, the British representatives will examine the possibility of obtaining timber from Sweden in exchange for machinery or other goods exported from Great Britain to Poland.
§ Sir S. CrippsSatisfactory agreement in principle has already been reached with Sweden, as a result of direct negotiations, about the quantity of timber to be made available to this country in 1947, and negotiations for the placing of contracts are now taking place.
§ Mr. DribergCan my right hon. and learned Friend say, roughly, how much timber there will be this year from Sweden?
§ Sir S. CrippsI should not like to say at the present moment.
§ Mr. DribergCan my right hon. and learned Friend see to it that enough is allocated to the Admiralty to enable them to give a fair deal to the small boat-builders?
§ Sir S. CrippsThat is another question and had better be addressed to the Admiralty.
§ Major Peter RobertsIn view of the fact that Poland exported something like 16 million tons of coal last year, is it possible for the Board of Trade to obtain one million tons for this country this year?
§ Sir S. CrippsThe hon. and gallant Gentleman is no doubt aware of the preliminary arrangements by which we shall get 250,000 tons, which is all the Poles could pare.