§ Mr. Swainasked the Minister of Power if he will make a statement on Government policy under the Coal Industry Bill with regard to directions to the National Coal Board about the employment of 364W together with the names of these pits and the information for each of these pits, other than the best 50;
(4)if, before the House considers the Fuel Policy White Paper, he will publish the average cost per ton at the pithead and cost per therm of the coal mined from the best 200 pits in the country, together with the names of these pits and the information for each of these pits, other than the best 100;
(5)if, before the House considers the Fuel Policy White Paper, he will publish the average cost per ton at the pithead and cost per therm of the coal mined from the best 250 pits in the country, together with the names of these pits and the information for each of these pits, other than the best 200;
(6)if, before the House considers the Fuel Policy White Paper, he will publish the average cost per ton at the pithead and cost per therm of the coal mined from the best 300 pits in the country, together with the names of these pits and the information for each of these pits, other than the best 250.
§ Mr. Freeson:The information is not readily available in the precise form requested but the following analysis of pithead costs, before interest, for all coal other than anthracite will assist the hon. Member. The figures relate to the year 1966–67 but exclude collieries which closed in that year.
men over 55 years of age who are displaced as a result of pit closures.
§ M. Eadieasked the Minister of Power what directions he has given to the National Coal Board about re-employing fit miners over 55 years of age who have become redundant as a result of colliery closures.
365W
§ Mr. Freeson:I see no need for any direction. The Board already re-employs fit miners over 55 years of age who become redundant to the maximum extent that transfers can be arranged to suitable vacancies in other pits.