HC Deb 05 March 1973 vol 852 cc48-9W
Mr. Kilfedder

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent investigation has been made into the quality of domestic coal supplied to Northern Ireland; and whether it is less satisfactory than the quality of the domestic supply in Great Britain.

Mr. Peter Mills

There has been no recent investigation into the quality of domestic coal supplied to Northern Ireland. There is no reason to suppose that its quality is less satisfactory than that in Great Britain.

Mr. Kilfedder

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will refer to the Monopolies Commission the question of rates charged by United Kingdom shipowners for coal shipped to Northern Ireland.

Sir G. Howe

I have been asked to reply.

I will bear my hon. Friend's suggestion in mind.

Mr. Kilfedder

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the last investigation took place following the recommendation of the Report of the Northern Ireland Coal Inquiry Committee 1963 that there should be a periodical investigation into coal prices to ascertain whether they are reasonable.

Mr. Peter Mills

The National Board for Prices and Incomes looked into the question of coal distribution costs and reported to Parliament in 1966. The board then concluded that retail gross margins in Northern Ireland were not unduly high.

Mr. Kilfedder

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the prospect of obtaining cheaper coal for both domestic and non-domestic use in Northern Ireland from other countries of the EEC.

Mr. Emery

I have been asked to reply.

Before the United Kingdom joined the Community, there were no import duties or other restrictions on the import of solid fuels into Northern Ireland. Our accession to the Community has not therefore changed the position.

The price of coal at pithead is generally higher in other Community countries than equivalent NCB coal, and transport costs from the Continent are also higher. It is therefore unlikely that coal from other Community countries could compete in the Northern Ireland market.