HC Deb 16 July 1946 vol 425 cc1033-4
40. Mr. Holmes

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what is the acreage of the Monckton opencast site, near Barnsley; the approximate tonnage the site is expected to yield; and if he will give the number of employees on this site and the output of coal per man per day.

Mr. Shinwell

I regret that it has not been possible to identify any site answer- ing to this description, but if my hon. Friend will furnish me with details of its location I will make further inquiries.

41. Mr. Holmes

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how many opencast workings are in operation in Yorkshire; the acreage involved; and the average weekly tonnage produced.

Mr. Shinwell

The answer to the first part of the Question is 34, and to the second 2,378 acres. Weekly outputs vary considerably according to the time of year. During March the average weekly output was 40,685 tons, and was 40,942, 46,257 and 45,723 respectively in April, May and June. The average production during the first two weeks in July rose to 56,887.

Major Roberts

Would it not be of great assistance to the industry generally if we could now have a comprehensive White Paper on opencast workings, because a large number of people are interested in it, and there is no comprehensive information?

Mr. Shinwell

I do not think a White Paper would be of much value. What is more important is to proceed with the production of coal from opencast sites, and I am glad to say that there is a substantial improvement.

Mr. Walkden

Has my right hon. Friend got with him the results in respect of the weekly output at the Wentworth Hall workings?

Mr. Shinwell

No, I have not got the results for Wentworth Hall before me, but they are very good.