Major Thorneycroftasked the Minister of Fuel and Power how much coal was exported to France in the years June, 1938, to June, 1939, and June, 1939, to June, 1940; and what is estimated to be the French requirements of British coal for the first year of liberation.
Major Lloyd GeorgeThe total exports of coal from Great Britain to France in the years ended 30th June, 1939, and 30th June, 1940, were 5,350,000 tons and 5,650,000 tons respectively. It is not yet possible to make any definite estimates of French requirements of British coal in the first year following liberation until more is known about the capacity of the Continental mines and the possibilities of moving coal on the European inland transport system.
§ Mr. Molsonasked the Minister of Fuel arid Power whether the agreements of 1933 by which Sweden undertook that 47 per cent., Norway undertook that 70 per cent. and Denmark undertook that 80 per cent. of their imports of coal should be obtained from Britain are still in force; and whether steps are being taken to retain these markets for this country.
Major Lloyd GeorgeThe agreement with Sweden is technically in force but for practical reasons cannot operate in war conditions; those with Norway and Denmark are in suspense so long as those countries are in enemy occupation. As regards the last part of the Question, these markets, the importance of which to the coal export trade is fully appreciated, will be considered in the light of general commercial policy and in relation to the, supply position and the demands of other markets.