§ 36 and 37. Mr. David Watkinsasked the President of the Board of Trade (1) what tonnage of coal was exported from 1st January, 1969, to the latest available date; of what types; and to what countries;
(2) what was the value of coal exports from 1st January, 1969, to the latest available date.
§ Mr. MasonFigures are given on pages 130 and 131 of the Overseas Trade Accounts for December, 1969. They show that coal exports in 1969 amounted to 3.4 million tons valued at £15.8 million. Western Europe was our main market.
§ Mr. WatkinsIs my right hon. Friend aware that there appears to be a particular potential for the expansion of exports of British coal to power stations in North Germany? Is he in contact with the appropriate German authorities about this?
§ Mr. MasonYes, Sir. The Coal Board has recently gained contracts with German power stations distant from the Ruhr. This has been helpful for them because of the mine closure programme in the Netherlands and Belgium. We have been able to step into the market at the right time.