asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will make a statement regarding fuel supplies for the coming six months, and in particular if he will indicate (1) whether any restrictions on coal deliveries from Britain are anticipated during that period, (2) whether, and if so, what, alternative sources of supply are available if supplies from Britain are inadequate, and (3) the comparative c.i.f. prices of coal from Great Britain and other sources.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fuel Supplies.
No information is yet available as to the quantities of coal which may be expected from Britain during 1951. Notification has been received from the National Coal Board that during the period from 1st November to 31st December next the average weekly quantity supplied during the previous ten months will be reduced by 4,000 tons. Alternative sources of supply are available, mainly Poland and the United States of America. Currency is not being provided for imports from the latter source.
It is not possible to give comparative c.i.f. prices of all the different types of coal imported into this country. Prices vary according to many factors including quality and, in the case of continental coals, from cargo to cargo. The following, however, gives the average prices of coals described as "Household" and imported during September, 1950:—
|
£ |
s. |
d. |
|
|
Great Britain |
4 |
11 |
1perton |
|
Belgium |
4 |
16 |
1 ,, ,, |
|
France |
5 |
3 |
3 ,, ,, |
|
Germany |
5 |
7 |
2 ,, ,, |
|
Poland |
5 |
3 |
6 ,, ,, |
It should not be assumed that the coals in question are of similar quality.
Does the Parliamentary Secretary hope that the deficiency in deliveries from Britain during the period to the end of December will be made good from any other source?
I cannot say at present. It is hoped to get alternative supplies.