18. Mr. Geoffrey Wilsonasked the Minister of Fuel and Power what was the total quantity of South Wales smokeless coals exported during the year 1950, or other recent period of 12 months as may be convenient; and what percentage such exports formed of the total production during such period.
§ Mr. P. Noel-BakerA total of 1.2 million tons of anthracite and graded Welsh dry steam coal were exported in 1950. This was about 20 per cent. of the total output.
Mr. WilsonIs the Minister aware that the growing home demand for such fuel is in excess of the supply and that the demand is coming from persons using 1644 appliances especially designed for the consumption of this type of fuel? What is he doing to increase supplies or, alternatively, to discourage the Coal Utilization Council from encouraging people to go in for these appliances?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerThe new appliances will burn a variety of fuels the supply of which the Coal Board is endeavouring to increase. They will also burn low-grade coal, and do so very efficiently with great satisfaction to the consumer.