HC Deb 22 July 1969 vol 787 c1473
16. Mr. Gordon Campbell

asked the Minister of Power whether he has completed his inquiry into the availability in Scotland of coking coal suitable for the steel industry and into the economic advantages or disadvantages of using local deposits or transporting such coal from elsewhere; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Mason

This is being examined by the National Coal Board and British Steel Corporation.

Mr. Campbell

As there are at least three nationalised industries concerned with this problem, will the Government ensure that the study of the whole problem continues in order to find the best solution in the long term?

Mr. Mason

Yes. I am obliged to the hon. Gentleman for the way in which he phrases questions. There is no general shortage of coking coal in Scotland and the British Steel Corporation and the National Coal Board are now carrying out a number of blending experiments to see whether they can find a wider range of coals which will satisfy the Corporation's requirements.

Mr. Eadie

Is my right hon. Friend aware that after the war a pit was sunk in Scotland exclusively to exploit seams of coking coal, but was subsequently abandoned because the steel industry then thought that there would be no demand for it? What will my right hon. Friend do to investigate this?

Mr. Mason

To which pit does my hon. Friend refer?

Mr. Speaker

Mr. Hooley to ask the next Question.

Mr. Eadie

On a point of order. Is it in order for my right hon. Friend to pose a question to me in answer to my question?

Mr. Speaker

I have no power to direct Ministers to answer Questions in the way hon. Members would like.

Mr. Eadie

It was Airth.