§ Mr. Patrick McNair-Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will publish details in the Official Report of the current level of coal imports into the United Kingdom, the countries of origin and the predicted figures for the remainder of 1975.
§ Mr. EadieImports of coal in the first three quarters of 1975 were 1.2 million, 1.4 million, and 1.2 million tons respectively. It is difficult to forecast demand even one quarter ahead. However, on the basis of recent demand, the estimated demand for imported coal would be in the region of 1.5 million tons. About 90 per cent. of our total coal imports are from Australia and the United States of America and the other 10 per cent. come from countries like Canada, West Germany and Holland. Details of these are published monthly in Section 321, Table III of theOverseas Trade Statistics of the United Kingdom, copies of which are available in the Library of the House.