HC Deb 11 June 1973 vol 857 cc982-3
18. Mr. Edwin Wainwright

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many pits are scheduled for closure due to coal exhaustion over the next two years; what is the weekly tonnage involved; and if he will make a statement on the action his Department is taking to provide jobs for the men who will be made redundant.

The Minister for Industry (Mr. Tom Boardman)

I understand from the National Coal Board that the number of collieries to be closed because of exhaustion of coal during the first half of 1973–74 is likely to be seven, involving a weekly tonnage of about 23,000 tons. The board cannot forecast beyond that period. Action taken by the Government to meet the problems of those who become redundant includes the Coal Industry Act 1973, the proposed improved terms which I recently announced for the Redundant Mineworkers' Payments Scheme, the Industry Act and the provision of further Government factories.

Mr. Wainwright

Is the Minister aware that the latter part of his answer causes laughter in the industry because there have been no results? Are pits to be closed for economic reasons? Is the Minister aware of the growing anger throughout the mining industry at the lack of information from the Government about what is to happen? In view of the energy crisis which is bound to occur in the next 10 or 15 years, will the Government make a statement about what will be done for the coal mining industry?

Mr. Boardman

The hon. Gentleman surely knows that the Redundant Mineworkers' Payments Scheme is very much welcomed by the miners and all concerned in the industry. Future closures will depend on the results of the examination of individual collieries by the National Coal Board and the unions in accordance with the new colliery review procedure. It is up to the miners and those engaged in the industry to justify the continuation of pits.

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

In view of the growing concern about oil supplies, will my hon. Friend confirm that the National Coal Board is doing its utmost to make explorations throughout the country to see what new pits can be opened to increase the supply of coal in the coming decade?

Mr. Boardman

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. A lot of work has been done with exactly that objective.

Mr. Varley

Is the Minister specifically discussing with the National Coal Board the sinking of new pits? Do he and the Secretary of State intend to meet the national executive committee of the National Union of Mineworkers soon to discuss energy policy?

Mr. Boardman

Yes, I give the hon. gentleman an assurance on both those points. There have been and are discussions with the National Coal Board about the sinking of new pits, and a meeting is to take place with the National Union of Mineworkers to discuss energy policy.