HC Deb 27 April 1970 vol 800 cc193-4W
47. Dr. Winstanley

asked the Minister of Technology what is his estimate of the present total stocks of solid smokeless fuel; and how this compares with present demands.

Mr. Harold Lever:

At the end of March, producers' and merchants' stocks of solid smokeless fuels suitable for the domestic market were estimated to be just over 600,000 tons—equivalent to one average month's demand.

48. Mr. Scott-Hopkins

asked the Minister of Technology how many tons of domestic coke he estimates will be produced during 1970.

Mr. Harold Lever:

There should be approaching 3 million tons of qualities suitable for the domestic market.

58. Mr. R. C. Mitchell

asked the Minister of Technology, what representa- tions he has had from coal merchants in the south of England regarding the estimated availability of solid smokeless fuels in the area next winter; and what reply he has sent.

Mr. Harold Lever:

I have received representations from the Southern Region on two points. My hon. Friend the Joint Parliamentary Secretary wrote to my hon. Friend about one of them on 21st April; the second point, concerning imports, is the subject of a Question from the hon. Member for Eastleigh (Mr. David Price).

63. Mr. Michael McNair-Wilson

asked the Minister of Technology whether he will introduce legislation to enable compensation to be paid to coal merchants who have been forced to wait for more than one month for supplies of smokeless fuel, in view of the fact that such delays have a detrimental effect on their businesses.

Mr. Harold Lever:

No.

68. Mr. David Price

asked the Minister of Technology if he is aware that coal merchants in Hampshire are finding that the National Coal Board is increasingly unable to meet its demands for solid smokeless fuels and that as a result these merchants will be unable to supply their customers in the winter 1970–71; and whether in these circumstances the temporary importation of solid smokeless fuels will be permitted.

Mr. Harold Lever:

The N.C.B. is actively exploring all possible measures to ease the position next winter, including in particular the import of smokeless briquettes to be made in France by processing anthracite duff from Wales.

75. Mr. R. W. Elliott

asked the Minister of Technology how many tons of solid smokeless fuel he expects to be produced before next winter.

Mr. Harold Lever:

Supplies for the domestic market should be at an annual rate approaching 8 million tons.