§ Mr. Sillarsasked the Secretary of State for Energy if, in paragraph 21 of the interim report on the coal industry, in which potential demand is stated to be 150 million tons per year in the mid-1980s, there is an expectation of increased demand in Scotland; and if so if he will quantify this.
§ Mr. EadieA demand for 150 million tons is dependent on the coal industry maintaining its competitive position. Information is not available on an area basis, but Scottish pits will benefit if the potential demand, particularly from the electricity and steel industries, can be realised.
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§ Mr. Sillarsasked the Secretary of State for Energy if, with reference to paragraph 24 of the interim report on the coal industry, he will make a statement on the effects of Government policy on the Scottish coalfields.
§ Mr. EadieI believe that the Government's decision to endorse the National Coal Board's investment strategy for augmenting deep-mined coal will have a favourable effect on the Scottish coalfields.