HC Deb 06 July 1971 vol 820 cc337-8W
Mr. John Smith

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proposals the European Economic Community has made to Her Majesty's Government on imports of coal to the United Kingdom from the countries of the European Economic Community; and what is Her Majesty's Government's policy on this matter.

Mr. Ridley

If we enter the Community coal imports from Community countries would be free from restrictions as at present, but barriers against our coal exports to the Community would be lifted. This greater freedom of trade should be of considerable benefit to our coal industry.