HC Deb 06 July 1971 vol 820 c337W
Mr. Swain

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on what date he expects Great Britain will cease to have unilateral control over the import and export of coal and other fuels; and what the situation will be in that respect after that date, assuming the United Kingdom joins the European Coal and Steel Community.

Mr. Ridley

It would be contrary to the principles of the Treaty establishing the European Coal and Steel Community for Her Majesty's Government to control unilaterally trade in coal, coke and briquettes between the United Kingdom and the other Community countries.