Imports and Exports

HC Deb 08 July 1957 vol 573 cc19-20

28. Mr. Palmer

asked the Paymaster-General if he will make a statement on Government policy in relation to the future import and export of coal.

Mr. Maudling

As I stated in the debate on 30th April, our objective is to do without coal imports and to restore the cuts in coal exports made in 1955.

Mr. Palmer

Does not the Paymaster-General agree that, in view of the fact that the coal supply position now is at least a little easier, this is an excellent opportunity for the Government to revise their policy generally upon this issue?

Mr. Maudling

I do not think that it is quite as simple as that, because the coal supply situation is easier in small coal in particular, and our customers on the Continent are in an equally easy position. But the National Coal Board is vigorously pursuing a policy of exporting as much as it can.