§ 31. Mr. Tinkerasked the Minister of Fuel and Power the latest developments in opencast mining; how many sites are being examined or acquired; and what is the estimated production from them?
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Fuel and Power (Mr. T. Smith)Twenty-two opencast mining sites are now producing coal and the number will be substantially increased in the near future. It would not be in the public interest to give figures for the output produced from these sites, but I can say that it is rising rapidly.
§ Sir Herbert WilliamsCould the hon. Gentleman say whether the position of Mr. Gibson as director of this production has been regularised?
§ Mr. SmithI hardly think that arises out of this Question. Perhaps the hon. Member will put down a Question on that.