Coal Exports (Scandinavia)

HC Deb 03 July 1962 vol 662 cc252-3

4. Mr. Boyden

asked the President of the Board of Trade what arrangements he made with Poland during the recent commercial agreement to facilitate British coal exports to Scandinavian countries.

Sir K. Joseph

None, Sir.

Mr. Boyden

Is the Minister pleased with the progress of trade between Poland and Great Britain? Is it not desirable to use our influence with Poland to prevent the dumping of Polish coal in Scandinavian countries so that British coal may compete fairly there?

Sir K. Joseph

The recent negotiations with Poland were concerned solely with Anglo-Polish trade.

Mr. Boyden

But there is a connection between our trade with Poland and our trade with Scandinavia and it is not just a matter of bilateral trade. Why will not the Minister use his influence in this way to improve our coal trade with Scandinavia?

Sir K. Joseph

It is not Governmental policy to seek to share out third markets during discussions of mutual trade.