HC Deb 17 February 1948 vol 447 c215W
117. Sir W. Smithers

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will take steps to ensure that the coals to be sent to Holland in return for £70,000 worth of foodstuffs will contain the minimum of dirt, stone and slack and will be of the highest possible calorific value.

Mr. Robens

In trade agreements with foreign countries, coal is not supplied in return for specified goods but as one item in a general agreement. An agreement with Holland will be signed shortly and every effort will be made to ensure that, within the limitations imposed by the availability of the various grades, United Kingdom coal supplied under it is of reasonable quality.