HC Deb 14 February 1977 vol 926 cc50-1W
Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) if he is aware of the substantial contribution of the National Coal Board towards the balance of payments; if he is aware of any further assistance which his Department can give in order to stimulate such export earnings; and if he will make a statement;

(2) if he is aware of the contribution made by the National Coal Board towards the export earnings of the United Kingdom; if he is aware of any method by which his Department can be of assistance in promoting such exports; and if he will make a statement;

(3) if he is aware of the substantial contribution towards exports made by the National Coal Board; if he will indicate in what way his Department can encourage and support an expansion of such exports; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Eadie

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for drawing attention to the substantial contribution made directly and indirectly to the balance of payments by the National Coal Board. Apart from our enormous savings in the import of energy, compared with other European Community countries, which arise from the NCB's coal production, it also exported coal and coal products worth over £70 million in 1976. In the face of severe competition it is assiduously seeking to expand these sales, with the active encouragement of the Government, and we are seeking to establish a Community energy policy which,inter alia, would include expansion of Community coal usage. The National Coal Board also contributes directly —and indirectly, by promoting sale of British mining machinery—through the provision of overseas consultancy and technical services, and I hope that these activities will be extended under the additional powers in the Coal Industry Bill, just published.