HC Deb 20 April 1970 vol 800 cc10-1
17. Mr. Probert

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what recommendations he has received from the Council for Wales on the effects, social and economic, of further closures of collieries in South Wales.

Mrs. White

In its review of the industrial situation in South Wales, the council has had regard to the future trends of manpower in the coal mining industry, but it has not made recommendations about the closure of individual collieries.

Mr. Probert

Does not my hon. Friend agree that, apart from the social consequences, it would be criminal folly at this time to close any further Welsh dry steam coalpits, especially in view of the fact that there is now a desperate shortage of smokeless fuel, that it is likely to continue in the future, and, further, that the National Coal Board has decided to import smokeless briquettes?

Mrs. White

My right hon. Friend is well aware of the concern felt about the present position of the coalmining industry, but detailed questions on matters such as that referred to by my hon. Friend should be addressed to the Ministry of Technology.