§ 11. Mr. Jannerasked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the maximum coal production planned for the Asfordby pit.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerThe performance of individual pits is a matter for the British Coal Corporation. I shall ask the chairman of BCC to write to the hon. and learned Gentleman.
§ Mr. JannerIs the Minister aware that the Asfordby pit has been held out by the Government as providing the hope of jobs for the many Leicestershire coal miners who have been thrown out of work as their pits have been closed? Is he aware that yesterday, without informing either unions or management, British Coal saw fit to transfer the Asfordby pit from Leicester to Nottinghamshire? Is he aware that this is a political stunt—probably on behalf of the Tory party—and that jobs in Leicestershire are now at risk? Will he at least give us some hope that further pits are to open in the Vale of Belvoir?
§ Mr. SpicerThe area in which the British Coal decides to run its pits is a matter for that body. I see no logic in the hon. and learned Gentleman's assertion that there is any threat to jobs simply because the Coal Board has moved the pit from one area to another.