HC Deb 14 March 1955 vol 538 cc944-5
39. Mr. Hamilton

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how much Polish coal has been imported in the last year.

Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd

About 260,000 tons in 1954.

Mr. Hamilton

Can the Minister indicate how much of this coal was imported through Scottish ports, and can he give any good reason why housewives in mining areas like Fife, where coal is produced, should have this inferior stuff foisted on them while other areas get the best-quality British coal?

Mr. Lloyd

I have not had any complaints about the quality—

Mr. Hamilton

You are getting one now.

Mr. Lloyd

—of this Polish coal in Scotland until the hon. Member brought forward his complaint today. My information is that this coal has been very welcome in Scotland. The fundamental reason why it has to be used is that the Scottish coalfields are not producing enough for Scotland.