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Anthracite And Phurnacite

Volume 974: debated on Wednesday 21 November 1979

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asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he is going to increase the import quotas for anthracite.

The requirement for imports of solid fuel into the United Kingdom to be individually licensed was removed in 1970. Since then there has been no restriction on solid fuel imports.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what stocks of anthracite and phurnacite are currently available; and why there has been a hold-up in deliveries of these fuels to retailers.

I understand that the National Coal Board is distributing all its supplies of prepared anthracite and of phurnacite as they are available and is not holding back any stocks. Supplies have increased in recent weeks. In addition, supplies of anthracite are being imported either under joint arrangements between the Board and the trade, or by the trade itself.