HC Deb 14 April 1980 vol 982 cc770-1
6. Mr. Gwilym Roberts

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a further statement on the capital investment programme of the coal industry.

The Under-Secretary of State for Energy (Mr. John Moore)

The board's capital expenditure on fixed assets was £636 million last financial year, and is expected to be some £800 million this financial year. Figures for later years are in the latest public expenditure White Paper.

Mr. Roberts

Does not the Minister accept that some projects, for example, the Park colliery in Staffordshire, are vital if we are to retain mining skills in areas such as Cannock Chase? Will he use his considerable influence with the Department of the Environment—now that the Belvoir inquiry is nearing conclusion—to ensure that the inquiry concerning this colliery goes forward forthwith?

Mr. Moore

As I said on 11 February. I understand the reasonable constituency interests of the hon. Gentleman. I shall draw his remarks to the attention of the Department of the Environment. However, in the last analysis, the timing of the inquiry is a decision for the Department of the Environment.

Mr. Edwin Wainwright

Will the Minister take into account that, in addition to developing the new coalfields at Selby and Belvoir, many existing pits require a large amount of money for modernisation? Will he ensure that sufficient investment funds are available for that sort of colliery? Further, will the Minister do all that he can to ensure that, when we produce the coal, we sell it? To that end will he refuse to allow coal imports?

Mr. Moore

I take the hon. Gentleman's point. It is matter of note to the House that an enormous amount of money is being spent on both old and new pits. An amount in excess of £600 million is a large annual commitment in capital investment.

I think that the whole House would join me in commending the industry's recent success. It would be appropriate for me to draw attention to the outstanding safety record last year, which showed the lowest death rate in the history of the coal industry. That, together with the increase in productivity, is to be commended.