HC Deb 03 February 1972 vol 830 c188W
Mr. Ellis

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what quantities, expressed in terms, of mine gas of a concentration of methane greater than 50 per cent. is discharged into the atmosphere at collieries which are or have been equipped with facilities for the delivery of the gas to a gas board.

Mr. Ridley

I am informed by the National Coal Board that in 1970–71 the total was 10.5 million therms.

Mr. Ellis

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what quantity of mine gas expressed in therms is sold by the National Coal Board annually.

Mr. Ridley

I am informed by the National Coal Board that sales in the last six years were:

Million therms.
1965–66 44.1
1966–67 44.5
1967–68 40.7
1968–69 37.5
1969–70 29.7
1970–71 23.3

Mr. Ellis

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what quantities, expressed in therms, of mine gas at concentrations of above 50 per cent. methane are discharged into the atmosphere from mines.

Mr. Ridley

I am informed by the National Coal Board that in 1970–71 the total was 14.6 million therms.

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