HC Deb 19 February 1948 vol 447 cc1324-5
42. Mr. Osborne

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power why we have been im- porting coal at an average price of 90s. and exporting it at an average price of 55s. a ton, for similar qualities; and what steps he is taking to prevent taxpayers' money being wasted in such an unbusinesslike manner.

Mr. Gaitskell

In order to assist the build up of coal stocks during last summer the Government arranged in June, 1947, to import 20,000 tons of coal a month from Poland and about 600,000 tons in all from the United States. No further contracts to import coal have been made since last June. The United States' contract was completed in November, 1947, and arrangements are being made to terminate the Polish contract which was originally to have run until June, 1948