HC Deb 07 February 1972 vol 830 c231W
16. Mr. William Price

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much coal was imported into Great Britain during 1971.

Mr. John Davies

4.2 million tons; the information is published in the Overseas Trade Statistics of the United Kingdom for December, 1971.

41. Mr. Skinner

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he is now in a position to announce his decision on the review of the policy on imported foreign coal.

Mr. John Davies

I have nothing to add to my hon. Friend's reply to the hon. Member for West Ham, North (Mr. Arthur Lewis) on 17th January.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much coal has been imported into Great Britain since June, 1970, from which countries, at what costs; and whether, under the existing rules and regulations of the European Coal and Steel Community, Great Britain will be able to import coal from any country.

Mr. Ridley

The answer to the second part of the question is "Yes". Following is the other information:

IMPORTS OF COAL INTO THE UNITED KINGDOM JULY, 1970 TO DECEMBER, 1971 INCLUSIVE
Thousand Tons £ million (c.i.f.)
Total 4,248 40.2
of which
U.S.A. 2,296 21.2
Australia 1,521 13.0
Netherlands 162 1.8
West Germany 129 2.5
Poland 84 0.9
Irish Republic 24 0.2
Canada 19 0.2
Belgium 13 0.3