HC Deb 06 July 1959 vol 608 cc873-4
17. Mr. A. Roberts

asked the Paymaster-General what general directions he has given to the National Coal Board on the pricing of coal for the export market.

Mr. Maudling

None, Sir.

Mr. Roberts

Does the Paymaster-General realise that more flexibility must be given to the Board if it is hoped to enter foreign markets again in the selling of coal? Does the right hon. Gentleman further appreciate that many of us on this side of the House are anxious to see our export markets develop to the extent that they did pre-war?

Mr. Maudling

I accept what the hon. Member says. Both sides of the House are extremely anxious to see an extension of our coal exports, but the Board has already complete freedom in export pricing.

Mr. Robens

Has the right hon. Gentleman asked his right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade whether or not he is including coal as one of the factors in bilateral agreements between this country and other countries?

Mr. Maudling

Bilateral agreements are much fewer than they were, but my noble Friend the Minister of Power has called the attention of my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade to the need to sell all the coal that we can.

Mr. Robens

That is not the answer to the question. Has the right hon. Gentleman raised this subject of coal in bilateral negotiations which have recently taken place?

Mr. Maudling

The right hon. Gentleman put that Question to the President of the Board of Trade. My noble Friend has made it clear to the President of the Board of Trade, who is well aware of it, that is is desirable to sell as much coal as possible, partly by bilateral agreements.

Mr. P. Noel-Barker

Is the right hon. Gentleman telling the House that he is not aware whether the President of the Board of Trade has raised this matter or not?

Mr. Maudling

The point is that I cannot answer questions on behalf of my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade.

Mr. Nabarro

The right hon. Member for Derby, South (Mr. P. Noel-Baker) never answered on behalf of the Board of Trade.