Exports

HC Deb 08 February 1960 vol 617 cc10-2

12. Mr. A. Roberts

asked the Minister of Power what assistance his Department is giving to the National Coal Board to increase coal exports.

Mr. Wood

An increase in coal exports depends primarily on the demand for coal in overseas markets and on the ability of the National Coal Board and the Coal exporters to compete with other producers. Her Majesty's Government give full support whenever they can.

Mr. Roberts

Does the Minister agree that the Ministry could assist by giving a directive to the National Coal Board to give guarantees to coal purchasers? Is the Minister aware that there are potential markets in South America and Japan if only the Coal Board would give the necessary guarantees to the purchasers?

Mr. Wood

I note what the hon. Member says, but there are several reasons for the decline in coal exports, and I hope that to a certain extent they will be overcome in the years ahead.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Is the Minister aware that one of the reasons for the decline in coal exports repeats an experience which the coal mining industry had in the 'thirties—Polish competition. This is not competition at fair prices but is subsidised competition due to the Polish Government's desperate desire to get foreign currency. Has the Minister had any consultations with representatives of the Polish Government in order to deal with this problem, which is becoming serious?

Mr. Wood

I assure the right hon. Gentleman that Her Majesty's Government have taken steps with a number of Governments abroad to try to increase these exports because we know how extremely important this is to the coal industry at present.

Mr. Griffiths

Including the Polish Government?

Mr. Wood

I will make inquiries about that.

Mr. Lee

When we were debating this issue on the Second Reading of the Coal Industry Bill I suggested that the Government might approach the Polish Government with a view to arranging further credits. Would not that be to the benefit of both the Poles and ourselves? Could he say a word about that?

Mr. Wood

I note what the hon. Member says.

Mr. Roberts

Is the Minister aware that some of these countries are offering much more substantial guarantees than the Coal Board is prepared to give and that this is one of the primary causes of our losing markets in the countries which I mentioned in my supplementary question?