HC Deb 08 April 1971 vol 815 cc277-8W
Mr. Harper

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what was the total cost of coal imports between December, 1970, and 28th February, 1971;

(2) what was the average cost per ton of coal imported between December, 1970, and 28th February, 1971;

(3) what was the cost per ton of imported coal, during the period from December, 1970, to 28th February, 1971, from Australia, Belgium, the Irish Republic, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, South Africa, the United States of America, and West Germany; and how these prices compare with coal prices in the United Kingdom.

Sir J. Eden

The value of coal imports is given in Table III of the Overseas Trade Statistics for December, 1970, and February, 1971. The average cost per ton was as follows:

£
Total … … 10.14
of which:
Australia … … 9.02
Belgium … … 20.46
Irish Republic … … 8.21
Netherlands … … 9.92
Norway … … 30.00
Poland … … 10.46
South Africa … … 35.95
U.S.A. … … 9.32
West Germany … … 21.52

The average values quoted above are not true prices as they are influenced by varying qualities of coal and other factors. Pithead prices of United Kingdom-produced coal varied between £4.50 and £15 per ton according to type and quality.

Mr. Alexander Wilson

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the estimated cost of freight charges to the National Coal Board per ton of imported coal from the following countries, respectively, Australia, Belgium, the Irish Republic, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, South Africa, the United States of America, and West Germany.

Sir J. Eden

Whoever imports coal is responsible for the freight charges and is not required to inform the Government what these are.