asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state: (a) the total quantity of household coal imported, during the first 11 months of the present year; (b) the quantity of coal now on order, delivery of which is expected before the end of January, 1948; and (c) the quantities of household coal which it is expected will be imported, during the year 1948.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Coal Imports.
In the period referred to at (a) of the question there were no imports of household coal specifically as such, but as the American cargoes of general purpose coal arrived the most suitable material was reserved for household use.
As regards (b), the quantity of coal on order from sources other than Britain for delivery before the end of January, 1948, is 72,000 tons. In the case of British coals, orders are placed from day to day for early delivery, but the quantity so ordered at a particular time is not communicated to my Department.
As regards (c), no reliable forecast can be made at this stage of the household coal, if any, which may be imported in 1948.