HC Deb 18 December 1989 vol 164 cc100-1W
21. Mr. Skinner

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what are the latest figures for coal imports(a) by countries and (b) by quantity; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Wakeham

During the period January to October 1989, 9.5 million tonnes of coal have been imported into this country. The table gives a breakdown by country of origin.

January to October 1989
Country of origin Quantity (thousand tonnes)
United States of America 3,879
Australia 1,822
Poland 830
Colombia 682
Canada 622
China 405
South Africa 323
Federal Republic of Germany 225
Netherlands 169
USSR 163
Panama 106
Venezuela 86
Belgium 62
Others 175
Total 9,549

Source: Her Majesty's Customs and Excise.

59. Mr. Hardy

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what is his estimate of the volume of coal imports into the United Kingdom for the current year; and if he will meet the chairman of British Coal to discuss levels of coal imports.

Mr. Michael Spicer

The Government do not produce estimates of coal imports for the current year. In the period January to October 1989 coal imports were 9.5 million tonnes.

My right hon. Friend and I meet the chairman of British Coal regularly to discuss all aspects of the coal industry.

30. Mr. Ashton

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what percentage of the coal burned in the United Kingdom in 1988 was imported.

Mr. Michael Spicer

A total of 11 per cent, of coal burned in the United Kingdom in 1988 was imported.