HC Deb 17 November 1976 vol 919 cc594-5W
Dr. Phipps

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the latest estimate for opencast coal tonnage mined in the current year; and what is the target for 1977.

Mr. Eadie

I am informed by the National Coal Board that its latest estimate for opencast coal production in 1976 is some 11.5 million tons. For 1977 it hopes to get up to around 12 million tons.