§ 18. Mr. Edwin Wainwrightasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the total number of tons of coal imported during the past two years; what was the average price per ton; and what is the estimated imported tonnage for the next twelve months.
§ Mr. Emery7.4 million metric tonnes for the two years ended April, 1972, at an average cif value of £9.39 per metric tonne. It should however be noted that the average value is not a true price as it is influenced by the varying qualities of coal, different transport costs and other factors. Future imports will depend on decisions by importers and the requirements of consumers.
§ Mr. WainwrightDoes not the hon. Gentleman think it disgraceful that we should be importing coal when threats are going around our own coalfields that certain pits, including one in my area, might be closed even if there is plenty of coal still in them? What steps will the Government take, if these pits close, to make alternative work available? What help have the Government given to the National Coal Board in its experiments on coal blending so that we can manage without the importation of special coals?
§ Mr. EmeryIn answer to the last point, the Government are seriously considering, and are in negotiation with the NCB about, bringing forward to the House measures to assist the coal industry. As to the hon. Gentleman's first point, it must be made clear that the importation of coal into this country was necessary after the strike, because of the low levels of supplies. It is a matter of competitiveness, and the NCB realises that very well.