HC Deb 03 December 1976 vol 921 cc320-1W
Mr. Skinner

asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he will take steps to control coal imports; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Eadie

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave him on 18th October—[Vol. 917, c. 276.]—Since then I am glad to say that the discussions about the management of the CEGB's remaining import contracts have been finalised on lines which the Chairman of the National Coal Board has assumed will deal with the situation to his satisfaction.

Mr. Skinner

asked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) what are the current stocks of coal. distributed and undistributed, to the latest available date;

(2) how much coal was exported in 1975; and what tonnages have been exported to the latest available date in 1976;

(3) what are the latest available figures, year on year, for coal imports.

Mr. Eadie

This information is available from Tables 3 and 5 ofEnergy Trends published by my Department and available in the Library of the House. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the November issue.

Mr. Skinner

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what are the latest figures for coal exports; what steps he is taking within the EEC to improve sales; what tonnages were exported last year; and what tonnages were forecast by the NCB to be exported in the financial year 1976–77.

Mr. Benn

Coal exports were 1.5 million tons in the last financial year and the National Coal Board estimates that they will be 1.8 million tons in 1976–77. Up to September they were 700,000 tons.

I am seeking with my colleagues in the Energy Council to establish a Community energy policy incorporating a coherent and effective coal element which will offer the British coal industry important export opportunities. Exports of coal to other member States of the EEC by the NCB must be seen as a central feature of community energy policy for the future.