HC Deb 01 March 1955 vol 537 c259W
118. Mr. Awbery

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what amount of coal has been imported into this country during the past year; what was the price per ton; what proportion of this was carried in British and foreign-owned vessels; and how far it was a condition of sale that a specified percentage should be carried in United States ships.

Mr. Joynson-Hicks

3½ million tons in the 12 months ended 31st January, 1955, at an average landed cost of £5 15s. per ton. About 83 per cent. was carried in British-owned vessels. 30,000 tons was carried in United States vessels under the terms of an agreement with the United States Government for the purchase of 250,000 tons of coal for sterling.