HC Deb 05 February 1948 vol 446 cc1890-1
4. Mr. Osborne

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what protests he has received from the shipping industry against the further increase of 25s. per ton in the bunker price of coal for foreign-going ships; and whether, in view of the increased foreign competition he will make a statement on the position.

Mr. Gaitskell

I have received a resolution of protest from the Leith Shipowners Society. As regards the second part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Bodmin (Mr. D. Marshall) on 18th December

Mr. Osborne

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this increase may make it very difficult for us to achieve our targets on the export side, and will he look into this matter again?

Mr. Gaitskell

I cannot agree with that. There is no evidence whatever that that is the case.

Mr. Douglas Marshall

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the answers he gave to me were with regard to the 25s. increase in the case of fishing trawlers, which has since been removed, and did not relate to general shipping?

Mr. Gaitskell

If the hon. Gentleman will turn up my answer, he will see that it related not only to trawlers, but to bunkers generally.

5. Mr. Osborne

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is aware that the new price of British coal c.i.f. to Western European ports is from 20s. to 25s. higher than Polish coal; if he is satisfied that export markets will still be found; and will give assurance that no hidden export subsidy will be granted on exports of British coal.

Mr. Gaitskell

No, Sir. I am advised that the suggestion in the first part of the Question is incorrect. The answer to the second part of the Question is in the affirmative, and the third part of the Question does not therefore arise.

Mr. Osborne

Will the right hon. Gentleman say if his denial—[Interruption.]—his statement is reliable? The figures were taken from the "Economist," which is usually reliable. In the future when supplies become more available in Europe, shall we be able to sell our coal abroad?

Mr. Gaitskell

I advise the hon. Member not to take at face value all the statements which appear in the Press on matters of this kind. Sometimes they are designed, not necessarily wittingly, to influence these bargains.

Mr. Manningham-Buller

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what the true figures are?

Mr. Gaitskell

Not without notice.