§ Mr. RedwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what has been the change in deep mined coal output in(a) the last quarter and (b) the last year; and how many pits closed in each time period. [69813]
§ Mr. ByersDeep mined output in quarter 4 1998 compared with quarter 4 1997 has decreased by 0.8 million tonnes. This compares to a decrease of 3.6 million tonnes in quarter 4 1994 compared to quarter 4 1993.
Deep mined output in calendar year 1998 compared with calendar year 1997 has decreased by 5 million tonnes. This compares to a decrease of 18.5 million tonnes between calendar year 1993 and 1994.
One major pit and four smaller pits closed in quarter 4 1998 and six small pits closed during the first three quarters of the year.