HC Deb 05 November 1936 vol 317 cc273-4W
Mr. BATEY

asked the Secretary for Mines the amount of coke which he is permitting to be imported into this country, and the reason for allowing coke to be imported whilst collieries which can produce coking coal in Durham are idle?

Captain CROOKSHANK

I understand that arrangements have been made for the importation of about 100,000 tons of foreign coke into Great Britain, but no permit from the Government is necessary for this importation. As regards the second part of the question, I am informed that the coke-making plant in this country, which is being used practically to capacity, cannot fully meet present demands.