HL Deb 01 April 1947 vol 146 cc950-1

2.38 p.m.

Lord DE L'ISLE AND DUDLEY

My Lords, I beg to ask the question which stands in my name.

[The question was as follows:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether in view of the Prime Minister's statement in another place on March 12 last that coal would be imported from abroad if it was procurable, inquiries have been put to the Government of the U.S.A. and to the Government of the Union of South Africa as to the amount of coal that can be made available for export 'to Great Britain from those countries during the current year, and with what result.]

Lord CHORLEY

My Lords, this matter is now under discussion with the Governments concerned. I am afraid I am not in a position to make a statement to-day, but my right honourable friend the Minister of Fuel and Power hopes to make a statement in another place tomorrow.

LORD DE L'ISLE and DUDLEY

Whilst thanking the noble Lord for his reply, may I ask whether it would be possible to have a similar statement made in this House to-morrow?

Lord CHORLEY

Certainly.