§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy how many mines in the United Kingdom produce high quality coking coal suitable for the requirements of the United Kingdom steel industry; where they are generally located; and what is the expected life of the mines.
§ Mr. VarleyEighty-five collieries, one-third of the National Coal Board's producing units, are currently supplying coking coal to the steel industry. The majority of these collieries are in Durham, Yorkshire and South Wales with the remainder in Scotland, the Midlands and Kent. Collieries producing the great bulk of coking coal supplies have proved reserves sufficient to support production beyond 1985, and the board has included in the long-term plan schemes to develop new reserves of coking coal accessible from existing pits to meet the expected requirements of the steel industry in the 1980s.
§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy when will the first new mine for supplying coking coal to the steel industry be operating; and what is its anticipated productive capacity.
§ Mr. VarleyThere are at the moment no firm proposals for sinking new coking coal pits but the National Coal Board 353W is engaged on a large exploration programme devoted to the proving of new reserves of coal, including coking coal. It is part of the board's long-term plan to continue to supply the great bulk of the requirements of the British steel industry.