§ Mr. Leslie Huckfieldasked the Minister of Power (1) how many more colliery closures are to be permitted following his recommendation of the White Paper on Fuel Policy;
(2) how many men will be rendered unemployed by the proposed closure of Arley and Kingsbury Collieries in the Warwickshire Coalfield;
(3) what discussions were held between the National Coal Board, the West Midlands Economic Planning Council and his Department before the decision to announce the possible closure of Arley and Kingsbury Collieries in the Warwickshire Coalfield.
§ Mr. MarshThe National Coal Board are responsible for decisions about individual pit closures, but I understand the Board have just announced to the Unions366W that these two collieries are in jeopardy. The Chairman of the West Midlands Economic Planning Council has been informed.