§ Mr. Masonasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he has taken since the end of power station picketing and the National Union of Mineworkers' recommendation to end the national coal stoppage to move coal stocks; to what extent he has increased oil and coal imports; if he has given further consideration to extending opencast mining and power station conversions; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RidleyStrenuous efforts are being made by all concerned to move coal stocks as rapidly as possible and to increase imports to supplement available home supplies. The oil industry will continue to plan imports in relation to immediate needs and stock levels. Opening new opencast sites and conversion of power stations cannot affect output or consumption in the next few weeks.