§ 22. Mr. A. Robertsasked the Paymaster-General what agreements have now been completed for the importation of coal for the next coal year; and what is the tonnage and price involved.
§ Mr. MaudlingThere are no Government agreements covering coal imports. Arrangements for these are made by the National Coal Board, the price and quantities involved being matters for commercial negotiation.
§ Mr. RobertsIs it possible to avoid making forward contracts when importing coal into the country?
§ Mr. MaudlingThis is a matter for the commercial judgment of the National 14 Coal Board. In view of the importance of the Board's obtaining the best possible terms for its contracts, I do not think that we should try to fetter it in any way.