§ 2. Mr. Osborneasked the Paymaster-General, in view of the fact that United Kingdom coal exports fell from 14.3 million tons in 1955 to 11.2 in 1956 and 9.9 in 1957, and may be lower for 1958, what are the main reasons for this decline; what he is doing about it; and what effect he estimates it will have on employment in British coal mines.
§ Mr. MaudlingThe low level of coal exports compared with 1955 reflects the low level of demand for coal in Western Europe and competition from other producers. Its effect on employment has been cushioned by the increase in stocks. The National Coal Board, in co-operation with the coal exporters, is doing everything in its power, including price adjustments, to increase our exports, but recovery depends mainly on how quickly demand abroad revives.