HC Deb 19 February 1951 vol 484 cc148-9W
125. Mr. De la Bère

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what quantities of coal he has recently authorised to be purchased from Calcutta.

Mr. P. Noel-Baker

The National Coal Board's purchases of coal from India amount to about 10,000 tons. The Board have been authorised to make further purchases, provided that they do not prejudice India's exports to normal markets.

Sir W. Smithers

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how much of the 1,073,300 tons of coal bought from overseas countries has been ordered from India and Nigeria, respectively.

Mr. P. Noel-Baker

The National Coal Board's purchases of coal from India and Nigeria amount to about 10,000 tons from each country. The Board have been authorised to make further purchases from India provided that they do not prejudice India's exports to normal markets.