Mr. T. Morrisasked the Secretary for Mines whether any steps are being taken to reopen the market for British coal in Italy; and whether he can make any statement with regard to this matter?
§ Captain CrookshankThe Commercial Agreement with Italy concluded on the 6th November last provided that the Italian Government would authorise the importation of United Kingdom coal, coke and manufactured fuel up to a quarterly c.i.f. value of 43,500,000 lire. As soon as the agreement was concluded four delegations, representative of the coal trade of South Wales, Durham, Scotland and the Humber, visited Italy to discuss with the Italian Coal Monopoly the resumption of purchases from the United Kingdom. I am informed that the discussions proceeded very satisfactorily and that in consequence substantial orders were placed by the monopoly in the United Kingdom. Shipment has already begun. I trust that the promptness with which the coal industry took advantage of the opportunities offered by the agree- 961W ment will be rewarded by further developments in this important branch of our coal export trade.