§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he has discussed, or will discuss, with the chairman of British Coal the implementation of measures to protect the reserves of low-sulphur coal in this country; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerIt is for British Coal to assess the market demand for particular qualities of coal, including low-sulphur coal, that it can profitably supply. This assessment forms part of its business plan which we review regularly with the chairman of British Coal.
§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will raise the closure of Betteshanger colliery with the chairman of British Coal as a matter of urgency.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerColliery closures are the responsibility of British Coal. I have asked the chairman to write to the hon. Member.
§ 1989. Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy what is the tonnage of workable reserves of low-sulphur coal in the United Kingdom for(a) 1979, (b) 1983 and (c)
§ Mr. Michael SpicerUnited Kingdom coal resources are vested in the British Coal Corporation. The amount of those resources which constitute workable reserves can be determined by the corporation only in the light of local mining conditions and market opportunities.