§ Mr. Skinnerasked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) what are the latest figures for coal exports; and what steps he is taking to encourage further exports;
(2) whether he will list in the Official Report the latest figures for coal exports to countries in the EEC and to those countries outside the EEC.
§ Mr. EadieFull information is published under SITC(R)321 in the October issue of the Overseas Trade Statistics for 1975. Exports are primarily a matter for 425W the NCB and its exports of coal in the 46 weeks to 15th November 1975 totalled 1.6 million tons compared with 1.2 million tons for the same period last year. With my full support and encouragement, it is trying all it can to sell more coal abroad. Unfortunately current prospects are depressed by the weak state of the market, but I believe that a substantial expansion could be possible in the long term.