HC Deb 26 January 1970 vol 794 c227W
15. Mr. Pounder

asked the Minister of Technology if he will give figures for the average stocks of smokeless fuel held by industry, other than the power industry.

Mr. Harold Lever

On average, about 1½ weeks' consumption.

34. Sir J. Gilmour

asked the Minister of Technology what are the estimated import and export figures for smokeless fuel this year; and what were the figures for the last five years.

Mr. Alan Williams

About 280,000 tons of domestic solid smokeless fuels were exported in 1969; I regret that exports in earlier years cannot now be separately identified. None has been imported.

Exports for 1970 cannot yet be estimated.

Mr. Edward M. Taylor

asked the Minister of Technology if he will make a statement on the supply of smokeless fuels available for domestic use; and what steps he is taking to improve the position.

Mr. Alan Williams

Supplies of domestic solid smokeless fuels this winter are generally adequate, but there have been difficulties in some places.

We are in close touch with the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, the producers and the trade about supply difficulties.