§ Mr. Hardyasked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the latest average pithead price of coal produced in the United Kingdom; how this compares with the price of coal imported into the British market from the United Kingdom's principal competitors; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David HuntCurrent average pithead list prices are as follows:
£ per tonne Bitumous house coal 59 Industrial coals 35–71 Power station coal 43 No price comparisons are available for imported power station coal, since there have been no imports during the strike. It appears that prices for imported domestic and industrial coals in recent months have in some cases been well above those of United Kingdom supplies, partly due to the strength of the US dollar. The present exchange rate, if it were to persist, would give United Kingdom coal a new competitive edge, provided always that the industry could satisfy its customers as to security of supply.