HC Deb 01 November 1979 vol 972 cc627-8W
Mr. Kinnock

asked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) what representations have been made to him following the decision of the British Steel Corporation to conclude coal purchasing contracts with United States of America coal suppliers about the effects of such coal importation on sales, production and demand for coking coal from Welsh collieries;

(2) what is his policy with regard to the importation of foreign coking coal by British industrial consumers when there are supplies of similar coal at similar prices available from British sources.

Mr. John Moore

At the Government's request the National Coal Board and the British Steel Corporation are jointly considering the corporation's future demand for coking coal. When they report to the Government on this, the Government will give careful consideration to any proposals they make.