asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, as part of Allied economic collaboration, he contemplates making a coal agreement which will extend beyond the war period and avert the serious consequences which fell on the export coal trade, particularly South Wales and Monmouthshire, at the end of the last war?

A number of questions affecting the supply of United Kingdom coal to France are at present under joint consideration by the two Governments. The hon. Member may rest assured that this particular aspect of the question is not being overlooked.