HC Deb 15 May 1946 vol 422 c263W
Sir R. Glyn

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how much coal from the Ruhr mines has been obtained since the occupation of Germany; to what countries there has been export of coal; to what extent do neighbouring countries obtain the benefit of electricity from power generated in the British zone; and if the revenue from this production relieves the costs of occupation and administration of the zone now borne by British taxpayers.

Mr. J. Hynd:

About 38 million tons of coal had been produced from the Ruhr and Aachen coalfields up to the end of April. Exports of coal in that period were made to France, Belgium, Holland, Denmark, Norway, Luxembourg, Sweden, Finland, Italy and Austria. About 2½ per cent. of the total power generated in the British zone is supplied direct to Belgium and via that country to the Netherlands and Luxembourg as well as through the French zone to France. The proceeds of coal and power exports are used brought into the British zone and thus to offset the cost of essential imports relieve the burden on the United Kingdom Exchequer.