HC Deb 29 June 1959 vol 608 cc21-2
47. Mr. Neal

asked the Paymaster-General what consultations he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the President of the Board of Trade with regard to the inclusion of coal as an exchange commodity in bilateral agreements with foreign countries.

Sir I. Horobin

My noble Friend is in constant touch with his colleagues about increasing our export markets for coal by all available means.

Mr. Neal

Does not the Parliamentary Secretary agree that our coal exports could be increased by a discreet use of the bilateral agreements? Is he taking note of what other coal-producing countries are achieving in this matter?

Sir I. Horobin

The question of bilateral agreements raises questions of Government policy going far beyond my Department. If the hon. Member wants to raise any points on bilateral agreements he should address his Question to my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade or my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Such Questions are not for me.