§ 34. Mr. Eadieasked the Minister of Technology what total of deep-mined coal he estimates will be produced in Scotland in 1970; and what manpower will be employed.
§ Mr. Harold LeverAbout 12 million tons with an average manpower of about 29,000.
§ Mr. EadieIs my right hon. Friend aware that it would be helpful if he gave a categoric assurance that there will be no pit closures, except in respect of exhaustion? Does he realise that the morale of our miners would be greatly helped if he made such a statement today? In other words, will he state clearly that all the coal that the miners can produce will be used?
§ Mr. LeverI am expecting in the coming year relatively few closures, including those due to exhaustion. On present information, I doubt whether any closure will take place in Scotland.