4. Mr. Edward M. Taylorasked the Minister of Power what information he has regarding the number of Scottish coalpits which will be closed in each of the next three years.
§ Mr. MarshIt is the National Coal Board's policy, approved by the Government, to close grossly uneconomic pits as quickly as possible, but the timing of closures under the colliery classification list published on 18th November, 1965, is flexible and the actual closures in any particular period are decided by the Board in the light of circumstances and in consultation with the Unions. Four of the 33 category "C" collieries in Scotland have so far been closed. Another two closures have been notified to the unions as likely to take place in the near future.
Mr. TaylorDoes the Minister not realise that that does not say a great deal? The morale of Scottish coalminers is very low. The only clear indication is that 48 of our 74 mines are under the threat of closure.
§ Mr. MarshThe actual timing of the closures is a matter for the Coal Board to negotiate with the unions, which it is doing. There is no dispute within the industry or the House that one can only have a viable coalmining industry by closing some of the less economic pits.