§ Mr. BarronTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy what steps the Government are taking to protect the indigenous coal mining industry; and if he will make a statement on the special report from the committee on the Associated British Ports No. 2 Bill, HC 258.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerIt is not this Government's policy to restrict imports of coal. Restricting competition will not bring long-term security to the British coal industry. The best protection is to produce reliable supplies which are competitive on the world market.
It is not for Government to make a formal response to the special report but for the House to take it into account on Third Reading.