HC Deb 23 March 1959 vol 602 cc899-900
25. Mr. Palmer

asked the Paymaster-General if he will make a statement on the prospects for the export trade in coal.

Sir I. Horobin

Until economic activity in Western Europe revives, the prospects are not very favourable. But the National Coal Board and the coal exporters have the full co-operation of Her Majesty's Government in its efforts to expand this trade.

Mr. Palmer

Can the Parliamentary Secretary say whether the Government have considered the possibility of special reciprocal trading arrangements, involving British coal, with selected countries?

Sir I. Horobin

That would be a matter for my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade.

Mr. Gower

Is my hon. Friend aware of the view which has been put forward that markets for high quality anthracite coal would still be available if it were in good quantity? Does he know whether the National Coal Board has considered this aspect?

Sir I. Horobin

Indeed, but, as my hon. Friend knows, the anthracite supply position is one of the sections of the coal industry where supplies for the home market are still very tight.

Mr. Gower

In that case, can my hon. Friend say whether the National Coal Board is reconsidering the plan which it announced for certain anthracite mines in South Wales?

Sir I. Horobin

No, because, though supplies are tight, there is a limit to which the Coal Board, which is already making heavy losses, can continue to get coal and sell it at such a heavy loss, as is the case in this small part of the anthracite supply of this country.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, while the supply of anthracite is tight, this is a section of the coal industry in which many men are unemployed for whom there is no other work and we shall, therefore, lose them? Will the hon. Gentleman, therefore, take steps to ensure that the two new pits which are being sunk are pressed forward as quickly as possible, otherwise the supply of anthracite will become even more tight, because when the mines become available experienced anthracite miners—and I speak as one of them—will not be available to work in the pits.

Sir I. Horobin

Broadly speaking, the Government are in agreement with the right hon. Gentleman, but the general policy is to close uneconomic pits and press forward with economic ones.