§ 2. Mr. Hal Millerasked the Secretary of State for Energy what action he proposes to take in view of the difficulties merchants have in obtaining supplies of anthracite; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Energy (Mr. Alex Eadie)Generally, the supply of anthracite, which is a matter for the NCB and the coal trade, should be adequate, but if shortages occur in certain parts of the country, alternative solid fuels should be available.
Production of anthracite in the United Kingdom has declined as a result mainly of delays in bringing new opencast sites into production; also, less anthracite than usual is being imported this year by the trade. To meet demand in conjunction with the coal trade it has taken special steps to import supplies, and, in addition, the Board is taking all the measures it can to increase production.
§ Mr. MillerDoes the Minister understand that in the West Midlands there are not adequate supplies, and that, for instance, since July coal merchants in my constituency have never had more than 40 per cent. of the amount specied in their annual tonnage contracts? That figure refers to road-borne supplies. For rail-borne supplies, the figure is 25 per cent. How are the merchants to supply their customers? Will the Minister understand that they expect somebody in the Government to be responsible for this state of affairs? Will he further understand their natural indignation at being forced to pay a levy for a promotional campaign when they cannot even obtain supplies for their present customers?
§ Mr. EadieI understand the hon. Gentleman's anxiety—it is an anxiety that is shared in Scotland and in the Midlands—but I hope that he will agree that, under special arrangements made by the NCB and the trade, anthracite is being imported from West Germany, South Africa and Vietnam. The tonnage is estimated to be sufficient to safeguard the home market. The figure is about 100,000 tons. I take note of what the hon. Gentleman has said, and I take note also of his strictures, but this is the 899 responsibility of the National Coal Board and the trade, and not of the Government.
§ Mr. Patrick McNair-WilsonWill the Minister assure us that he will now make representations to the Chairman of the National Coal Board to make sure that this promotional campaign makes clear to customers that alternative sources are available, and that they will be suitable for their uses? The Minister will know that at the moment there is a great deal of unease in the mining industry about the level of coal stocks. It cannot be a good thing to promote the use of solid fuel if the customer cannot get what he wants.
§ Mr. EadieI am glad that the hon. Gentleman has raised that matter. There are plenty of other types of coal, plenty of other types of smokeless fuel, and plenty of other types of bituminous coal. I am seized of the point made by the hon. Gentleman, that the situation could be misunderstood when we are talking about anthracite. Nevertheless, I shall draw to the attention of the Chairman of the National Coal Board the points that the hon. Gentleman has raised.