HC Deb 09 April 1984 vol 58 c8W
Mr. Peter Bruinvels

asked the Secretary of State for Energy how much coal has been imported into England each month since January 1982; what were the purposes of the imports; whether the coal was subsidised by the Government in the country of origin; and if he will list the countries involved.

Mr. Giles Shaw

Information is not available in the form requested. The following table gives imports to the United Kingdom on a quarterly basis:

Thousand tonnes
1982
Quarter 1 1,131
Quarter 2 1,189
Quarter 3 931
Quarter 4 742
Total 3,993
1983
Quarter 1 539
Quarter 2 1,500
Quarter 3 1,419
Quarter 4 902
Total 4,360

The imports were: anthracite for domestic use, coking coal for steel making and steam coal for power stations. Countries of origin were:

Per cent.
Australia 45
USA 24
Poland 12
Germany (FR) 11
Others 8

Known subsidies are paid only in the Federal Republic of Germany.