§ 37. Mr. David Watkinsasked the Minister of Technology what representations have been made to him to permit the importation of coking coal; and what reply he has sent.
§ Mr. WatkinsIs my hon. Friend aware that there is a world shortage of coking coal and that representations to him on this matter may well be imminent? Will he resist the importation of coking coal whilst pits in such places as North-West Durham which still have reserves of coking coal are being progressively run down?
Mr. WilliamsMy hon. Friend is perfectly correct in referring to a worldwide shortage, but there is as yet no shortage here. A study is being undertaken by the British Steel Corporation and the National Coal Board to establish whether there will be any shortfall, and we hope to have the report very soon.
§ Mr. EadieWill my hon. Friend condemn the S.N.P. in Scotland which is in favour of the importation of coking coal and, which at the same time, for political party purposes goes round scaremongering about threatened pit closures which many pit managers are valiantly trying to prevent?
Mr. WilliamsI think that we are all accustomed to the inconsistencies we get from small fringe parties.
Mr. Edward M. TaylorWill the hon. Gentleman do something about this absurd situation whereby Scottish steelworks are traditionally expected to pay £1 a ton more for coking coal than the average price in England and Wales; and try to do something about the very real problem which is restricting expansion of Scottish steel?
Mr. WilliamsHon. Members opposite really must make up their minds whether they want the industry to operate according to commercial criteria. It seems proper that in this case charges should as far as possible be related to actual cost.