HC Deb 12 May 1952 vol 500 cc833-4
2. Mr. Nabarro

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the coal production figure for four calendar months ended 30th April, 1952, compared with the same period of 1951; and the figures of coal stocks, respectively, at 30th April, 1952, and 30th April, 1951.

Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd

The figures are 75.3 and 74.6 million tons, and 13.3 and 9.8 million tons respectively.

Mr. Nabarro

In view of the fact that coal production in this four months' period is almost exactly the same as it was in the previous year and that we are committed to two million tons extra for exports this year, and that B.E.A. requires 2,500,000 tons extra, can my right hon. Friend say where the additional 4,500,000 tons of coal are to be found?

Mr. Lloyd

I think my hon. Friend will see that actual coal production is up by about 700,000 tons in the period under review. That is only part of the year. Also, he will see that the stock figures are so much higher. We are that much further on, by 3,500,000 tons, towards the building up of stocks by the end of the coal summer.

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