HC Deb 26 February 1948 vol 447 cc2108-9
36. Mr. Osborne

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he intends to increase the domestic coal ration, or substantially to increase the export target now that stock piles are adequate, since further stock piling involves double man-handlings of the coal and raises the cost to the ultimate consumer.

42. Mr. Parkin

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power to what extent coal in merchants' yards is in excess of what merchants can dispose of; and whether he can now make arrangements for future disposals.

57. Mr. Parkin

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power to what extent the National Coal Board are having difficulty in selling coal for export.

The Minister of Fuel and Power (Mr. Gaitskell)

The favourable stock position, resulting from higher production and lower consumption than was expected, now enables us to push ahead more rapidly with our coal export programme. Stocks are now standing at about 14½ million tons and will probably exceed 12 million tons at the end of the winter. These stocks will be taken into account in planning our summer allocation and this will enable us to provide more coal for export in the summer months. We are already committed through trade agreements and in other ways to a total of nearly 12 million tons for exports and bunkers in 1948, while a further 3 to 4 million tons has been earmarked for further trade agreements to be negotiated in the near future. On this basis, we shall be able to fulfil our obligations under the European Recovery Programme.

The National Coal Board have accordingly been told to plan on the basis of providing for exports and bunkers at least 15–16 million tons this year and the weekly limit of 200,000 tons has been removed. While the detailed commercial transactions necessarily take time to complete, I am assured that there should be no difficulty in selling this coal. Owing to the urgent need to export as much coal as possible, an increased allocation for domestic consumers is not at present practicable. But in view of the low level of deliveries to some consumers earlier in the coal year, I propose to permit those who were not able to obtain their full permitted quantities in the earlier restriction periods of the year to acquire the balance, if they so desire, between now and the end of April.

Mr. Osborne

Does the Minister expect to encounter any difficulties in regard to price in selling the 15 million tons abroad?

Mr. Gaitskell

I think we can leave that matter to the National Coal Board to settle. They are anxious, as they should he, to get the best possible price, but they are going to sell the coal.

Mr. Parkin

In view of the possible short term difficulties arising from the less attractive consequences of the Marshall Plan, will emphasis be placed upon long-term contracts in the export of coal rather than upon short-term contracts?

Mr. Gaitskell

There again we must to some extent leave that to the National Coal Board. I have explained that we are telling them to plan for the year on the basis of exporting from 15 to 16 million tons.

Mr. Harold Davies

Is there any shortage of cleaning and washing machinery, because that is one of the factors which affects our coal in competitive markets abroad at the present time?

Mr. Gaitskell

There is a very serious shortage.