Pit Props (Hansard, 19 May 1958)

HC Deb 19 May 1958 vol 588 c890 890

§ 48. Mr. Neal
asked the Paymaster-General what steps he is taking to encourage the import of pit props from those countries which buy British coal.

§ Sir I. Horobin
None. The buying of pit props is a commercial matter for the National Coal Board.

§ Mr. Neal
Can the hon. Gentleman confirm or deny that Finland has placed a ban on the import of British coal because our trade in pit props has been diverted to the Soviet Union? What chance does he think we have of selling coal to Russia?

§ Sir I. Horobin
That is not a matter for the Ministry of Power. The hon. Gentleman should put down a Question to the appropriate Minister.