§ 12. Mr. ColemanTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy what representations he has received on the impact of the proposed closure of Blaenant colliery on the coal industry.
§ Mr. BaldryI have received no representations on this matter.
§ Mr. ColemanNow that the closure is inevitable, which does not seem to worry the Prime Minister as she regards Welsh people as "a load of old tripe"—her words, not mine—will the hon. Gentleman say what future the coal industry has in south Wales? What is the future of the Aberthaw power station, since the industry and the power station are dependent upon coal from Blaenant for blending?
§ Mr. BaldryIt is for the coal industry to decide its manpower requirements in the light of the tonnage that it can properly produce and sell in competition with other fuels. Decisions on the future of individual pits are taken by British Coal only after exhaustive review with the work force and the unions. I understand that Blaenant coal has a low volatile content and needs blending with coal from other sources to bring it to the required specification. The power station at Aberthaw can be supplied with such coal from other mines in south Wales.