Earl Attleeasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is their policy with regard to imported coal. [HL2569]
§ The Minister of State, Department of Trade and Industry (Lord Clinton-Davis)Our policy is to promote open, fair and transparent trade in coal in accordance with our commitments under our membership of the European Coal and Steel Community and the World Trade Organisation. We have taken action within the European Coal and Steel Community to prevent unfair competition from German graded anthracite in the UK market. We are examining carefully the extent to which Polish housecoal and power-station coal is being sold in the UK market at prices below production costs, and will pursue the matter vigorously. It is not our policy to allow subsidies in Germany, Spain, Poland or elsewhere adversely to affect the UK coal industry.