asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether his attention has been drawn to the recent report of the Organisation for European Economic Co-operation that overall production in Europe is likely to rise by 20 per cent. by 1960, and that the energy to meet this anticipated expansion will necessitate imports of coal from outside Europe; and whether, in order to maintain our coal imports for domestic use at the lowest possible price level, the Government will seek a long term agreement with a coal-exporting country to help maintain our exports, and to ensure an uninterrupted supply at an economic price of such fuel as we must import.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Coal Supplies.
I have seen the report mentioned in the question. The provisions of existing trade agreements with Britain, relating to coal supplies, constitute the type of arrangement which the Deputy appears to have in mind. The prices of British coal supplies to this country are regulated by agreements made from time to time between the British National Coal Board and importers' associations.