77. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether, arising out of the official figures which were issued in connection with the export of coal from this country overseas, amounting to some 8,000,000 tons for the year 1946, and the total stock shortage figure which was given as 3,000,000 tons, steps will be taken to reduce the export figures for 1947 by 3,000,000 tons so as to make provision for an adequate coal stock reserve figure.
§ Mr. ShinwellThe total exports in 1946 referred to by the hon. Member were divided as to approximately half for ships' bunkers at United Kingdom ports and half for cargo exports. Moreover, cargo exports included supplies to bunker depots and H.M. Forces overseas, the great bulk of the balance consisting of very inferior qualities. With regard to the last part of the Question, I would refer to my reply to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Upton (Mr. A. Lewis) on 14th February.
Mr. De la BèreWill the right hon. Gentleman ask the Government to give him some powers to deal with the allocations of the European Coal Board, and will he say why coal needed so urgently at home is being sent abroad?
§ Mr. ShinwellThat is another question.