HC Deb 02 April 1965 vol 709 cc298-9W
Mr. Ogden

asked the Minister of Power how many tons of coal were exported from Merseyside to the Republic of Ireland in 1955, 1960, and 1964.

Mr. John Morris

The precise information asked for is not available in my Department, but total exports, including those from Merseyside, to the Republic of Ireland in these years were as follows:—

1955 … … 1,782,000 tons
1960 … … 1,104,000 tons
1964 … … 515,000 tons

Mr. Ogden

asked the Minister of Power what communications he has had from the Government of the Republic of Ireland as to their present and future needs for coal; and what efforts he is making to increase United Kingdom exports of coal to the Republic of Ireland.

Mr. John Morris

None. The export of coal to the Republic of Ireland, which is a highly competitive market, is a commercial matter for the National Coal Board. I support the Board's export efforts and would refer to the measures to increase exports, including the export rebate scheme, announced by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade on 27th January.