§ Mr. T. SMITHasked the Secretary for Mines whether any consultation took place with the central council of coal-owners before the Danish Coal Committee were advised to purchase 20,000 tons of coal from other sources during this month; and, if so, what reason was given why that amount of coal was not available in this country?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKNo such advice as that suggested in the question was given by my Department. I have been for some time in close touch with1772W the Central Council of Colliery Owners on the general question of supplies, and was fully aware of the position. In view of the difficulties which Denmark was experiencing in getting British coal, and pending the receipt of specific instances of the failure of British companies to supply, the Danish Coal Committee was informed that if 20,000 tons could be purchased from other sources during December, we should be willing, having regard to the excess purchases of United Kingdom coal by Denmark in the last agreement year, to make an allowance up to that total should Danish purchases of United Kingdom coal during the current agreement year fall short of the prescribed percentage.