HC Deb 13 March 1980 vol 980 cc681-2W
Mr. Barry Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what representations he has received from the Flint community council regarding the need, in view of textile job losses in the Flint, Holywell, area, to ensure that the oil-from-coal project at Point of Ayr colliery, Clwyd, uses local building labour; how many jobs might be created in construction and in operation; and what is the cost of the project and the estimated time of operation.

Mr. John Moore

No representation has been received by the Department of Energy from Flint town council regarding the use of local labour for the construction of the proposed oil-from-coal pilot plants. However, the Government hope that a maximum amount of local labour could be involved.

Current estimates suggest that a total of about 300 jobs would be created for the construction phase and up to 180 jobs for the operation phase.

In April 1978 the total cost of the oil-from-coal proposals was estimated at £31 million. Revised figures are expected to become available in a matter of months, following completion of the design study.

At present, the main operating programme is scheduled from 1984 to 1986.