HC Deb 18 January 1982 vol 16 cc7-8
6. Mr. Ray Powell

asked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he has taken any further steps regarding the commencement of a new (deep) mine at Margam since his reference to this development in the debate on employment opportunities in Wales on Monday 14 December, Official Report, column 66.

Mr. Nicholas Edwards

No, Sir. The next step is for the National Coal Board to complete its investment appraisal of the project.

Mr. Powell

Why does the Minister not treat the matter with the urgency that it deserves? If he is genuinely concerned to create jobs in Wales and to reduce unemployment, why does he not persuade his Cabinet colleagues to invest in the development of the Margam mine to serve the long-term interests of the Welsh mining industry and protect the coal industry in general?

Mr. Edwards

The decision whether to invest in the Margam mine is not for the Cabinet but for the NCB. I have discussed the project with the chairman of the NCB. As he has said on a number of occasions, because of the depth of the mine, it is a high cost development and it is important that there should be a market for its products. However, the NCB is continuing its assessment to see whether improvements could make the project competitive and viable.

Mr. Grist

Will my right hon. Friend say whether the threat or reality of a strike in the coalfields will increase the likelihood of investment in this or any other new mine?

Mr. Edwards

It was the chairman of the NCB who, on a recent visit to Wales, said that a strike would damage future investment prospects.