HC Deb 20 November 1947 vol 444 cc1310-1
9. Air-Commodore Harvey

asked the President of the Board of Trade what negotiations have taken place with the Danish Government regarding the export of coal from this country to Denmark during 1948.

Mr. H. Wilson

During the discussions held in London last September, the Danish Delegation referred to Denmark's wish to import various commodities, including coal, from the United Kingdom. No agreement was, of course, reached in these discussions because of difficulties over food prices, and there have been no subsequent trade negotiations with Denmark.

Air-Commodore Harvey

Will the right hon. Gentleman give this matter his further attention, and when the time comes to export coal, will he give Denmark a high priority, so that fats can be brought to this country in order to feed our people?

Mr. Wilson

Coal was not an issue over which the recent talks broke down. We have coal very much in mind in connection with any exports which there will be next year.

Lieut. - Colonel Sir Thomas Moore

Hare we handled these negotiations with greater courtesy than those that were handled by the Minister of Food?