§ 29. Mr. Blytonasked the Paymaster-General how many coke ovens have closed during the last twelve months; what further run-down is visualised; and to what extent he envisages an effect on the Durham coalfield.
§ Sir I. HorobinSince June, 1958, five plants have been closed and one new oven has been opened. The National Coal Board has taken no decision about further closures but is reviewing the position including the effects on the Durham coalfield in the light of the demand for hard coke.
§ Mr. BlytonIs the Minister aware that the County of Durham is threatened with serious unemployment, not only because of the closure of coke ovens, but because of the Gas Council's decision to use oil instead of coal and the fact that its estimate of coal usage has now dropped by 7 million tons?
§ Sir I. HorobinSpeaking about what has happened so far, I am happy to inform the hon. Member that in the case of the ovens which have been closed in Durham, my latest figure shows that less than 42 people are now unemployed as a result of the closures.