§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Secretary of State for Energy how much coal mined in the United Kingdom was exported in each of the last 10 years; what were the main destinations; and what is his policy towards coal exports by the National Coal Board and the extent to which such exports should be profitable.
§ Mr. David HuntThe Government expect the National Coal Board to maximise its long-term profitability by securing those sales which are profitable on a continuing basis in competition with other fuels. Within this the level and profitability of NCB coal exports is a matter for the board's commercial judgment.
Details of coal exports since 1976 are shown in the table.