§ 32. Sir C. Osborneasked the Minister of Power, in view of the fact that Polish coal is being sold abroad at prices that do not cover the freight from pit to port, if his consent was given to the National Coal Board's contract to Italy for one million tons of coking coal; to what extent it is subsidised; on what terms it will be sold; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Frederick LeeThe export of coal is a commercial matter for the National Coal Board. The terms of sale are a matter for settlement between buyer and seller. There is no question of a subsidy from Her Majesty's Government.
§ Sir C. OsborneIn view of the fact that Polish coal is being sold in Europe at less than the cost of transport from the pithead to the port of reception, how can British coal be sold in Europe without a subsidy? Will the Minister say how much subsidy this contract has involved?