HC Deb 29 April 1974 vol 872 cc757-8
19. Mr. Edwin Wainwright

asked the Secretary of State for Energy how many tons of coal have been produced in the United Kingdom over each of the past four years; and what is the estimated tonnage for 1974 and 1975.

Mr. Eadie

In the four years 1970 to 1973 coal production was 145 million, 147 million, 120 million and 130 million tons respectively. We expect the production in 1974—apart from the effect of the miners' strike earlier in the year—and in 1975 to be stabilised at about 130 million tons.

Mr. Wainwright

Does my hon. Friend agree that we ought to be increasing the supply of coal? Is he aware that supplies of oil and gas will be far below demand over the next 10 to 20 years and that North Sea oil supplies will run out? Does he agree that if we continue to let the mining industry run down as it has run down over the past few years we shall not have the miners to get the coal that is needed?

Mr. Eadie

I agree with my hon. Friend. All fossil fuels are wasting assets. We are fortunate that we have a greater abundance of coal than any other fossil fuel. I hope my hon. Friend will agree that it was right, because of this, to set up the tripartite inquiry to signpost the rôle that coal will play in the future.

Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

May I ask the Under-Secretary, from his profound knowledge of the Scottish coalfield, to tell the House which Scottish pits, if any, will be commercially profitable after the projected price increases on the basis of providing a proper commercial return on assets?

Mr. Eadie

I am pleased to be able to tell the hon. Gentleman that coal is now a very valuable commodity in the Government's policy. It was only days after the Government were elected that we set up the tripartite inquiry to examine the future of coal. I am surprised that the hon. Gentleman should express doubts about Scottish pits, because there are some fine modern pits in Scotland which are capable of producing very good coal.

Mr. Kinnock

Does my hon. Friend agree with the general proposition that it would be both stupid and short-sighted to adopt commercial profitability as a main criterion when considering the survival of any pit, given the current world and national energy needs? Bearing in mind considerations of that kind, will my hon. Friend give the closest possible attention to the submissions which will be made by the people of Rhymney Valley and Ogilvie Colliery in the fight which is about to take place for the survival of that pit, which has large amounts of coal beneath the surface ready for national and international use?

Mr. Eadie

Any representations made to the Government will receive very careful consideration. The question of the security of the supply of energy, including coal, is foremost in the Government's mind.