HC Deb 02 August 1966 vol 733 cc235-6
23. Mr. Wall

asked the Minister of Power if he will give a general direction to the National Coal Board to increase exports of coal to Scandinavia.

Mr. Marsh

No, Sir; the National Coal Board is already making every effort to get good export business wherever it can, including Scandinavia.

Mr. Wall

Is the Minister aware that these exports are being held up because of the lack of decision on the part of the National Coal Board as to which Humber port to use? Does the Minister appreciate that the coal appliances in the Hull docks are not being renewed because of this lack of decision?

Mr. Marsh

The main problem about coal exports for Scandinavia is not so much this factor but the availability of cheap Polish coal. It is not enough just to export coal. One must be able to export it at prices which are commercially attractive.