§ 46. Mr. Skinnerasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent consultations he has had with the National Coal Board regarding imported coal.
§ Sir J. EdenThe board has given me its views which I will take into account in the review of coal imports' policy.
§ Mr. Masonasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to what extent the European Coal and Steel Treaty will affect his intention to review coal imports before March, 1972; what estimate he has made of the future need for the import of special coals; if he will list their types; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RidleyThe need to ensure supplies of special coals will be taken into account in the review of coal imports policy, on which an announcement will be made not later than March. The timing of the review will not be affected by our membership of the Community, but no restrictions will be imposed on Community coal.
§ Mr. Masonasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what notice he intends to give to coal importers that when the ban on coal imports is imposed no more coal will be allowed to enter the country after the stated date and no compensation will be paid for frustrated coal imports;
(2) what estimate he has made, in connection with his review, of the extent to which there is stockpiling of contracted imports of coal in Rotterdam and Amsterdam; what stocking charges are being imposed upon the initial contract prices; and whether these coals will be allowed to be imported into Great Britain after the coal import ban has been re-imposed.
§ Mr. RidleyI do not propose to prejudge the decision on the future of coal imports policy, but importers should not assume that, if restrictions are imposed, existing contracts would be exempted. The terms of contracts are a matter for the importers.
§ Mr. Masonasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many coal 232W miners' jobs have been lost as a result of the contracted coal imports of three million tons by the Central Electricity Generating Board and how many coal mines have been prematurely closed.
§ Mr. RidleyNo coal mines have been closed prematurely or coal miners' jobs lost as a result of coal imports. The imports of coal by the Central Electricity Generating Board ensured supplies for coal-burning power stations last winter.