HC Deb 18 January 1971 vol 809 cc499-500
14. Mr. Eadie

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will consult the appropriate trade unions concerning his policy on the importation of coal.

Sir J. Eden

I am always ready to hear their views on this subject.

Mr. Eadie

Why was the Minister so shy about making a statement on this very important issue? Can he tell the House what he is doing about the shortage of manpower in the coal mining industry and about the crisis of morale that exists in it at present?

Sir J. Eden

As to the first part of the hon. Member's supplementary question, as he knows, the information was given during the course of the Second Reading debate, when hon. Members had ample time to discuss it. The second part of his supplementary is another question.

Mr. Bob Brown

Does not the Minister agree that it is not conducive to restoring morale to threaten an industry with the hiving off of the profitable parts?

Sir J. Eden

That, too, is another question.

15. Mr. Eadie

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he has had with the coal and steel industry about future coal imports.

Sir J. Eden

This has frequently been discussed with the two industries.

Mr. Eadie

Will the hon. Gentleman answer some questions for a change? This is a very important matter. Are sufficient types of coal available to the steel industry? What is the difference in price between imported coal and British coal?

Sir J. Eden

I have consulted both the National Coal Board and the major users about coal imports. The question of price is a matter for whoever imports the coal.

Mr. Concannon

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that we might have cause belatedly to thank him for this because he is at least showing British industry just how cheap British coal is?

Sir J. Eden

There is this other point on the question of morale. It would have been far worse to have allowed to develop a bigger gap between supply and demand both this winter and the next.

Mr. Benn

If the hon. Gentleman is consulting the National Coal Board and the users, why not systematically consult the trade unions on matters as important as this?

Sir J. Eden

As I said earlier, I am very ready to talk to the trade unions about this.