§ 11. Mr. Patrick McNair-Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he is satisfied with the current level of coal exploration.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Energy (Mr. Alex Eadie)Yes, Sir. The National Coal Board's exploration programme under Plan for Coal has proved 12 very successful and is continuing at an intensive level.
§ Mr. McNair-WilsonIn view of the large sums of money involved, would the Government be prepared to invite private industry to participate with the National Coal Board, in developing these resources, either on an exclusive or a joint-venture basis?
§ Mr. Edwin WainwrightWill my hon. Friend bear in mind that we must never allow private industry to get hold of the best coal seams? As the nation is short of anthracite for domestic purposes, what is he doing to obtain more anthracite so that we can cater for this country's market without importing from abroad—for instance, from Spain?
§ Mr. EadieMy hon. Friend will recall that the National Coal Board has been developing new anthracite capacity. The Bettes colliery in South Wales will come into production soon and when it does it will mean that there will be less need to import anthracite.