§ 71 and 72. Mr. G. Thomasasked the Minister of Fuel and Power (1) to ensure that Cardiff docks will not suffer a disproportionate share in the reduction of coal exports decided upon by Her Majesty's Government; and whether he will take steps to see that this reduction is fairly shared among the coal exporting ports of the country;
(2) why the whole of the reduction of 3,000,000 tons in coal exports is to be in Welsh coal; whether he is aware of the consequences of this decision to Cardiff dock workers; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Joynson-HicksIt is expected that exports next year will be reduced by about five million tons. The distribution of exports among individual ports is made by the National Coal Board and is largely determined by the type and source of the coal being shipped. I am informed that probably less than a third of the reduction will affect Welsh ports.