To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what tonnage of shale was imported into the UK in each quarter of each year since 2004. (144595)

[holding answer 21 June 2007]: Imports of shale for construction or similar uses cannot be distinguished from imports of similar clays. HM Revenue and Customs Overseas Trade Statistics give the following figures for imports of HS271410 bituminous or oil-shale and tar sands: