HC Deb 21 May 1962 vol 660 cc13-4W
Mr. Mason

asked the Minister of Power (1) in view of the fact that no anthracite deposits are available in Yorkshire to be mined by opencast mining methods and that there is no general shortage of coals of the type produced by opencast mining, he will now issue a general direction to the National Coal Board to slow down production from opencast sites in Yorkshire and halt the procedure for seeking authorisations;

(2) when he intends to make a fresh review of the need for maintaining opencast coal output at its present level;

(3) if he will refuse to authorise further extensions of opencast coal mining pending a conclusion to the problem of pit closures.

Mr. Wood:

The National Coal Board keeps under regular review the likely balance between the demand for particular coals and their supply from both deep-mined and opencast production. This balance is among the considerations taken into account before any new site is authorised for opencast working. I have already told the House that opencast production in 1962 is now expected to be less than in 1961. It is still too soon to determine the level of opencast production in 1963 but, if the present trends in demand for coal and in deep-mined production continue, it is probable that the Board will be able next year further to reduce the level of opencast production. It is also probable that during the remainer of 1962 only a limited number of applications for new sites will be necessary, and that these will mostly relate to sites containing coals for which there is a particular need or to which other special circumstances apply.

Mr. Mason

asked the Minister of Power when it is estimated that the seven opencast sites now in operation in York- shire will cease production if worked to exhaustion.

Mr. Wood:

I am told by the National Coal Board that three sites will cease production this year. The others will continue for varying periods, the longest being about five years.

Mr. Mason

asked the Minister of Power, in view of the fact that it is the policy of the National Union of Mineworkers to restrict opencast coal output, whether he will give an assurance that he will consult them before granting authorisation for new opencast sites.

Mr. Wood:

The Opencast Coal Act, 1958, gives to all interested organisations the opportunity to make representations before opencast working is authorised at any site.