HC Deb 14 February 1955 vol 537 cc3-4
3. Mr. Nabarro

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that large tonnages of surplus brown coal briquettes, of good calorific value and much less smoky in the burning than bituminous coal, are available for shipment from the Eastern Zone of Germany to Great Britain at prices not exceeding 83s. per ton c.i.f. British port; and why he does not take advantage of this situation for his 1955–56 coal imports programme.

Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd

Yes, Sir. These briquettes have not so far been considered suitable for the home market, but arrangements are now being made to test some of them at the Fuel Research Station.

Mr. Nabarro

Can my right hon. Friend say whether, in the event of arrangements being made to import this particular class of brown coal briquette from the Eastern Zone of Germany, private me chanting firms will be allowed to enjoy import facilities, or whether the National Coal Board will have a monopoly?

Mr. Lloyd

There is, in fact, before the President of the Board of Trade an application from a firm to import this class of fuel.