§ Mr. Patrick Jenkinasked the Secretary of State for Energy what estimates he has made of the likely net exports of coal, that is exports less imports, over the next five years.
§ Mr. BennImports and exports of coal are subject to a wide range of factors, both internal and external. These factors are difficult to quantify, and make meaningful forecasts, especially as much as five years ahead, impossible. Imports should, however, decline from the 1975 level as contracts entered into at the time of the 1974 shortage are completed. I understand the NCB is also actively pursuing new export business.