HC Deb 04 February 1953 vol 510 cc1831-2
20. Colonel Clarke

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the composition of the British Mission to the High Authority of the European Coal and Steel Pool; and how many members of it are permanently resident at the seat of the authority.

Mr. Nutting

The United Kingdom Delegation to the High Authority of the European Coal and Steel Community, which is headed by Sir Cecil Weir with the personal rank of Ambassador, consists of a Deputy with the personal rank of Minister, two Under-Secretaries seconded from the Ministry of Fuel and Power and Ministry of Supply and 10 administrative and clerical staff, all resident at Luxembourg. There is also a panel of advisers, nominated by each side of the coal and steel industries, who are not normally resident at Luxembourg but visit it from time to time as required.

Colonel Clarke

While thanking my hon. Friend, may I ask him to bear in mind the extreme importance of this matter to the British export coal trade, whose future may well be dependent on what takes place at the seat of the Authority, and particularly the importance of keeping coal exporters informed from time to time of any changes in progress or alterations which are made in the Authority's arrangements?

Mr. Nutting

We certainly have those points in mind. Perhaps I may add that the adviser from the National Coal Board is resident most of the time at Luxembourg.

Mr. Snow

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that last Thursday his right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply made a statement on the question of steel coordination between the new proposed Board and the export trade, and is he satisfied that the reports which will emanate from this delegation will be dealt with quickly by his office and by the Minister of Supply as regards their eventual destination to the Board?

Mr. Nutting

I can only answer for the Foreign Office. Of course, as far as they are concerned, everything is dealt with expeditiously.