§ Mr. O. LEWISasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether his attention has been called to the fact that the Athens Gas Company, which normally uses Durham coal, have contracted to purchase 35,000 tons of Russian coal, and that the sellers have not only quoted a lower price than that quoted for Durham coal but have granted four months' credit without interest; and whether he will discontinue the grant to Russia of credit facilities which enable her to undersell our coal industry?
§ Mr. GILLETTI have seen Press reports in the sense of the first part of the question, though I am advised that this is not the first time that the Athens Gas Company has bought Russian coal. The Export Credits Guarantee Scheme exists for the benefit, not of foreign importers, but of British exporters and was extended to cover transactions with Russia in order that British exporters might enjoy the same facilities for that market as for all other markets. I do not propose to withdraw these facilities 1075W nor do I think that they have any appreciable effect on Russia's ability to compete with British exporters.