§ 4. Mr. Fitchasked the Minister of Power by what percentage the amount of coal exported this year up to the latest convenient date exceeds that exported in the same period in 1962.
§ Mr. Peyton41.5 per cent. up to 31st May.
§ Mr. FitchWhile thanking the Parliamentary Secretary for that encouraging reply, may I ask him to say whether there is any prospect of our increasing our coal exports to Common Market countries? Has the National Coal Board been in contact with the High Authority of the Coal and Steel Community about this possibility?
§ Mr. PeytonThe very gratifying increase which has taken place in coal exports has been very largely to continental Europe. I think the hon. Member can be quite certain that the Board will remain in very close touch with any potential customers in Europe and elsewhere.