HC Deb 09 July 1968 vol 768 c202
9. Sir G. Nabarro

asked the Minister of Power if he will state the coal output for the six months to 30th June, 1968;what estimate he has made for the full year 1968;and how many less men were employed in the coal industry at 30th June, 1968, compared with one year earlier.

Mr. Freeson

Up to 29th June, 1968, N.C.B. coal output totalled 84.7 million tons. By the end of the year this figure will rise to 163 million tons. N.C.B. colliery manpower at 29th June, 1968, 347,975 was 55,389 lower than a year ago.

Sir G. Nabarro

Can the hon. Gentleman tell us whether the run-down in the coalmines is now proceeding at the rate envisaged in the fuel White Paper or whether there has been any change in the plans for the run-down in the pits?

Mr. Freeson

We have no reason at this stage to believe, taking the period of the White Paper to which the hon. Gentleman referred, that the average will vary from the original approximate forecast. The figure that I quoted, which is a June to June figure, does not necessarily reflect the comparative figures on a March to March basis, when they come to be published.