HC Deb 12 June 1947 vol 438 cc1319-20
22. Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how much coal from the U.S.A. is to be imported into the United Kingdom by the end of 1947.

The Minister of Fuel and Power (Mr. Shinwell)

As a result of the recent application made by the United Kingdom to the European Coal Organisation, an allocation of American coal has been made to this country for the third quarter of 1947. This allocation, which amounts to 600,000 tons for the quarter, is contingent upon the total U.S. availability of export coal to Europe attaining and exceeding 3,000,000 tons per month. Provision has also been made by the European Coal Organisation whereby, in certain circumstances, the United Kingdom will be entitled to secure tonnages of U.S. coal in excess of the 600,000 tons, and in certain other circumstances, to secure some coal if the U.S. availability is below 3,000,000 tons. The allocation of American coal to European destinations for the fourth quarter will not take place before August, and it is not possible to forecast what the position will be at that date.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

Can the Minister give the House an assurance on two points? First, that the maximum quantity of coal available to this country will be imported from the U.S.A. to avoid the possibilities of another fuel crisis? Secondly, that future information about these matters will be given to this House in the first instance?

Mr. Shinwell

As regards the amount of coal, we shall, of course, secure the maximum amount of imports; but there is a limit to what we can receive. As regards furnishing information, we always do furnish information to the House on these matters in the first instance.

Mr. Henderson Stewart

What is likely to be the price of that imported coal? What will be the equivalent of 600,000 tons in terms of daily output from our own mines?

Mr. Shinwell

As regards the first supplementary, I shall answer a Question on that matter later on. As regards the second, I should like to see it on the Paper.

Mr. Martin Lindsay

How does the Minister reconcile his statement that he always gives publicity with his refusal to give publicity to the salaries paid to the members of the Coal Board?

Mr. Shinwell

That is wholly irrelevant.