Mr. TEMPLE MORRISasked the Secretary for Mines whether his attention has been called to the increased export of coal from Poland to Italy as a result of the recently concluded commercial agreement between the two countries; and what steps are being taken to protect the interests of the British coal industry?
§ Captain CROOKSHANKI am aware of the position as regards exports of Polish coal to Italy, but would inform my hon. Friend that the relations between exports of British coal and Polish coal to overseas markets generally, including the Italian market, are governed by the Confidential Agreement of December, 1934, between the British and Polish coal industries. I understand that the position in these respects has been the subject of recent discussion and of agreement between the two industries. Furthermore, with regard to the position of United Kingdom coal in Italy, I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement made by my right hon. Friend, the President of the Board of Trade, on Monday regarding the provisions of the new Commercial Agreement between this country and Italy.