§ 36. Mr. Jegerasked the Minister of Power whether he is aware of the demand for East Midland doubles abroad; and what action is being taken to export the 300,000 tons of this type of coal at present held in stock.
§ Mr. WoodYes, Sir. The National Coal Board and the exporters have increased exports to meet this demand, but it has not yet been possible to clear the stocks to which the hon. Member refers.
§ Mr. JegerIs the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the export department of the National Coal Board is doing all it 30 should, in view of the fact that only recently the right hon. Gentleman told me that 300,000 tons of this coal was lying idle, whereas a few weeks before he told me that there was an unsatisfied demand for this coal which could not be satisfied because of the scarcity of coal of this type?
§ Mr. WoodI understand that the type the hon. Member has in mind is virtually not included in the stock at present held in the East Midlands. The National Coal Board has exported almost twice as much in the first quarter of this year as it did in the first quarter last year. Therefore, the hon. Member's strictures on its exports are not entirely justified.