§ 11. Mr. Gowerasked the Minister of Fuel and Power what steps he will take to deal with the problems arising from the decision of the French Government to restrict purchases of British coal.
§ Mr. Geoffrey LloydThe present restriction relates to the second quarter of 1953, and I am informed by the National Coal Board that they do not expect to have any difficulties in finding other markets for the coals which France has decided not to buy during this period.
§ Mr. GowerWill my right hon. Friend bear in mind not only the effect on the coal industry, but also on the future of our ports; and in this connection will he consider the very particular dependence of the South Wales ports, including that in my own constituency, Barry, upon coal as an export, for which for them there is no adequate substitute?
§ Mr. LloydI am afraid it means that other ports will benefit and that some of the South Wales ports will suffer in this quarter.
§ Mr. BottomleyWill the Minister make the strongest possible representations to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pointing out that the French are imposing these restrictions and that they ought not to do it in view of the recent decision of O.E.E.C?
§ Lady TweedsmuirWill my right hon. Friend say whether the decision was made by the Coal and Steel Community, and, if so, what were the recommendations of our delegation at Luxembourg?