§ 2.40 p.m.
VISCOUNT ELIBANKMy Lords, I beg to ask the second Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, if American financial aid were accorded to the six-nation European Coal and Steel Community for the purposes of expansion of markets and modernisation of equipment, it would consequentially be possible for the Community to compete in export markets more advantageously than it is at present able to do with the products of the British National Coal Board and British Steel undertakings.]
§ LORD MANCROFTMy Lords, since the terms of an American loan are still to be discussed between the United States and the High Authority, and since we have no knowledge of the uses to which such a loan might be put, it would, I think, be a little premature to speculate on the possible results of such a loan, although it might well have the effect the noble Viscount has in mind. Her Majesty's Government will, of course, continue to do all they properly can to enable the United Kingdom coal and steel industries to meet, with the maximum of efficiency and flexibility, any new competition that may develop.
VISCOUNT ELIBANKMy Lords, I thank the noble Lord for his Answer. If, as he says, the loan might have the effect envisaged in my Question, would Her Majesty's Government make representations to that effect to the United States Government?
§ LORD MANCROFTMy Lords, I feel that at this juncture it is hardly for us to interfere with the United States in regard to the manner in which they may make a loan to anyone or in the way they may say that it should be used.
§ LORD LUCAS OF CHILWORTHMy Lords, may I ask the noble Lord, Lord Mancroft, whether it may not be advisable for Her Majesty's Government to see that the amicable understanding between the European Coal and Steel Community and this country is not endangered by any subsidy that might come about.
§ LORD MANCROFTOn the information at present available to Her Majesty's Government, there is little danger of the existing state of amicability being spoiled.