§ Mr. Will Owenasked the Minister of Power if he is aware of the proposed closure of Pegswood Colliery in South-East Northumberland; and, in view of this colliery being the only means of employment in the township, if he will urgently consider the postponement of the closure pending the development of alternative employment.
§ Mr. MasonI understand that the National Coal Board informed the188W unions last June that the results at Pegs-wood Colliery were such as to place its future in jeopardy. If the Board decided on closure it would be for the North East Planning Council in the first instance to consider all the relevant implications.