§ Mr. Snaddenasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will state in regard to opencast coal production in Scotland and England Wales respectively, the acreages of land requisitioned; the acreages on which work has been completed; on which work continues; on which work has not yet begun; and the acreages designated or intended for future production.
§ Mr. GaitskellThe information desired, so far as available, is as follows:—
— Scotland. England and Wales. Total (acres) (acres) (acres) Total acreage of land requisitioned for opencast coal on 31st December, 1947 2,974 28,706 31,680 Acreage under coal production 2,586 17,445 20,031 Acreage under restoration 388 9,495 9,883 Acreage on which work had not been begun — 1,766 1,766 Land derequisitioned on which work has been completed 274 7,898 8,172 It is expected that a further acreage of about 50,000 will be needed for opencast coal between now and the end of 1951. It is not possible to sub-divide this between Scotland and England and Wales.