§ 24. Mr. Douglasasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement on the proposals of the National Coal Board to rephase the proposed pit closure programme.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerPit closures and their timing are a matter for the National Coal Board. Mr. MacGregor made it clear in April that the board was willing to discuss the phasing of closures. The size of the output reduction sought in 1984–85 is from 101.4 to 97.4 million tonnes of deepmined coal per year. The manpower reduction which would result will be attained by voluntary decisions on the part of miners so that every miner who wishes to remain in the industry will be able to do so.