§ 49. Mr. George Grantasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will reverse his decision allowing coal to be imported into this country in view of the level of indigenous stocks.
§ Mr. RidleyThe Government have undertaken to review the import policy not later than March, 1972, in the light of the supply-demand position then obtaining.
§ Mr. George Grantasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the total cost of coal imports between 28th March, 1971, and 30th September, 50W 1971; what was the average cost per ton of coal imported during this period; what was the cost per ton of coal imported during this period from Australia, West Germany, the United States of America, Belgium, the Netherlands, the Irish Republic, Norway, Poland, and South Africa; and how these prices compare with coal prices in the United Kingdom during the same period.
§ Mr. RidleyFor the period April to September, 1971, the value of coal imports was £20 million, and the average values per ton were:—
The average values quoted above are not true prices, as they are influenced by varying qualities of coal, transport costs, and other factors. Pithead prices of United Kingdom-produced coal varied between £4.50 and £17.50 per ton according to type and quality.
£ Total 9.35 of which: Australia 9.26 West Germany 19.03 U.S.A. 9.42 Belgium 20.89 Netherlands 8.63 Irish Republic 11.06 Norway Nil imports Poland 10.39 South Africa 33.58