§ 8. Mr. Canavanasked the Secretary of State for Energy what was the coal production for the United Kingdom for 1975.
§ Mr. EadieTotal coal production in the United Kingdom from 1st January 1975 to 20th December 1975, the latest date for which figures are available, was 124.8 million tons.
§ Mr. CanavanWill my hon. Friend give me an estimate of the percentage of United Kingdom coal that is produced in Scotland? Does he agree that a separate Scottish coal board, as proposed by the SNP, would probably lead to a decrease in production and disastrous consequences in terms of employment prospects for Scottish miners?
§ Mr. EadieThe figure for which my hon. Friend is looking during the year to which I have referred is the 11.7 million tons of coal produced in Scotland. My hon. Friend will recall that miners' leaders have always argued that British coal should be worked in an integrated manner. It is a fact that in Scotland we have a high-cost coalfield. That is not because Scottish miners are inferior but because of the difficult geological conditions. As my hon. Friend knows, I speak with some authority on that matter. Other areas in Britain would suffer, although not so much, if the policy of isolationism to which my hon. Friend referred were to be pursued.
§ Dr. BrayWill my hon. Friend say whether the National Coal Board investment programme for 1975–76 is being maintained or increased? Is he aware that in the coal equipment manufacturing industry there are disturbing reports that the board is proposing to cut its investment in certain directions?
§ Mr. EadieI have never heard the suggestion that my hon. Friend made. I refer him to the recent statement made by the chairman of the Board. I think it was made last week. I shall be happy to send him a copy.