§ 109. Mr. Biffenasked the Minister of Power what estimates for the scale of coal exports for 1970 were made for National Plan purposes by the Government; what revisions have now been made by the Government; and what estimates exist for 1975.
§ 119. Mr. A. Royleasked the Minister of Power what estimates he received from the National Coal Board for the scale of coal exports for 1970 for National Plan Purposes; what revisions have now been made by the National Coal Board; and what estimates the National Coal Board have made for 1975.
§ Mr. FreesonThe National Plan assumed a coal export in 1970 of 5 million tons.
The future level of exports will be governed by the degree of competition overseas, the trading policy of importing countries, production costs in this country and the availability of suitable coal. It is too uncertain for me to be able to provide reliable estimates.
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§ 110. Sir J. Langford-Holtasked the Minister of Power what representations have been made to him by the National Coal Board to facilitate the export of coal.
§ 118. Mr. Hornbyasked the Minister of Power what steps his Department has taken to facilitate coal exports.
§ Mr. FreesonExports are the commercial concern of the National Coal Board who follow up any inquiries likely to result in business at economic prices. Both the President of the Board of Trade and my right hon. Friend are ready to help where the National Coal Board thinks this would be useful.
§ 124. Mr. Hornbyasked the Minister of Power at what price he estimates coal could be exported to Europe in competition with supplies from the United States of America and Poland.
§ Mr. FreesonThe National Coal Board's main exports consist of steam-raising coal for industry whilst United States exports to Western Europe are largely coking coals for steel manufacture. For steam-raising coals the Board can compete with United States prices. Polish prices are at such low levels that the Board could compete only if they disregarded commercial considerations.