§ Mr. Sillarsasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he can estimate the volume, cost, and sources of coal imports for electricity generation in the first six months of this year and state how imported coal costs compare with United Kingdom prices.
§ Mr. EadieThe quantities and average cif values of steam coal imports for268W January to June 1975—most of which is believed to be for electricity generation—are tabulated below by country of origin:
Average coal field prices of United Kingdom electricity coals range between £13 a ton and £18 a ton. The average pithead price of United Kingdom coal sold to power stations is £14.50 a ton. However, the quality of coal varies, thus reducing the value of price comparisons.
Quantity (thousand tons) Unit Value cif (£/ton) Australia 1,102 16.67 Canada 87 15.90 Poland 31 14.35 U.S.A. 851 21.13 Others 30 21.51 Total 2,101 18.49