HC Deb 09 December 1926 vol 200 cc2263-4
70. Sir F. WISE

asked the Secretary for Mines the tonnage of foreign coal imported into Britain during the industrial trouble and the approximate average price?

Colonel LANE FOX

About 19,500,000 'tons of foreign coal arrived at ports in Great Britain from the commencement of the stoppage to 4th December. I regret that I am unable to state the average price.

Colonel WOODCOCK

Can my right hon. Friend state approximately the amount in hand now?

Colonel LANE FOX

No, Sir, because the greater part of this coal is in the hands of private undertakings and persons. The Government coal has been disposed of.

Mr. GRAHAM

Is it possible for us to be given the price?

Colonel LANE FOX

No, the prices vary over a long period of time and they differ in different circumstances.

Mr. TAYLOR

What proportion of this coal came from Germany?

Colonel LANE FOX

I cannot say offhand. If the hon. Member will put a question on the Paper, I will see if I can get the information.