§ 10. Mr. Edwin Wainwrightasked the Secretary of State for Energy, in the light of the continuing shortage of anthra- 1028 cite coal in the United Kingdom, resulting in that kind of fuel being imported, how many tons have been imported in each of the past three years; and what actions he is taking to help the National Coal Board to produce more anthracite from the British coal mines.
§ Mr. EadieImports of anthracite for the past three years were:
The National Coal Board is doing its best to increase production by all practicable means, including opencast, which provides about half the needs. A new anthracite mine at Betws in South Wales commenced production last month. It is designed to produce half a million tonnes per year at a high level of productivity and should obviate the need for anthracite imports.
tonnes 1975 136,000 1976 142,000 1977 270,000
§ Mr. WainwrightIs my hon. Friend aware that the quality of imported anthracite is far inferior to that of home-produced anthracite? Will he do more to encourage the National Coal Board to stop importing anthracite by ensuring that the Board has the necessary finance to develop new mines where the anthracite is available?
§ Mr. EadieWe are aware of the complaints about the importation of anthracite, which have been made by many hon. Members. Anthracite is found only in South Wales. I have mentioned the new Betws mine in South Wales, which is the first new mine to be completed there for 10 years. When that is in full production, taking account of opencast and other deep-mine output, it will obviate the need for anthracite imports.