HC Deb 30 June 1975 vol 894 cc1000-2
4. Mr. Gwilym Roberts

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what is his estimate of the number of jobs that will be available in the coal-mining industry by the years 1980 and 1985; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Benn

The precise manpower needed will depend on the industry's competitive ability to take advantage of the market opportunities for coal and on realising the necessary advances in productivity. Forward plans are discussed between the National Coal Board and the unions concerned.

Mr. Roberts

In congratulating my right hon. Friend on his new role, may I thank him for the projection that he gave us? However, in areas like the Cannock Chase, where we have very high levels of unemployment, will he consider bringing forward some of the proposed developments in deep mining in order to provide more jobs in the area?

Mr. Benn

I am grateful to my hon. Friend. I shall consider the point that he raised, though I am not familiar enough with the discussions which have taken place to know whether the local impact of unemployment has hitherto been a factor in deciding the development work in new mines.

Mr. Patrick McNair-Wilson

I agree with the right hon. Gentleman that the future of the industry will depend on its ability to compete with other fuels, but does he not agree that there is serious concern about the effectiveness of the incentive scheme, which was tailored to meet the demands of the militants and which is clearly not working, and is leading to a fall in production?

Mr. Benn

I have taken the opportunity to have preliminary discussions with the National Coal Board and the unions. Without wishing to give offence, I should not regard the Conservative Party as the best adviser on the handling of the problems of the coal industry.

Mr. Roderick

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the difficulties associated with the building of the Aberthaw power station and the consequent stocking of coal produced by 10 pits in South Wales? I understand that Didcot imports coal. Cannot my right hon. Friend arrange for some of this coal to be transferred from South Wales pits, otherwise stocks will grow to such an extent that pits will have to stop production?

Mr. Benn

I am aware of this point. It was raised with me by the Chairman of the National Coal Board and by the National Union of Mineworkers. I also took the opportunity to discuss it with the Chairman of the Central Electricity Generating Board. My hon. Friend knows the reason for it. It is a problem with the 500 MW sets. But I shall look into his suggestion.