§ Mr. Thomas Coxasked the Minister for Energy what are the number of coal mines which have been closed since January 1971 and the number due for closure in 1974.
§ Mr. Patrick JenkinTwenty-nine colleries ceased production in the period January 1971 to the end of 1973, mostly because of exhaustion of workable reserves. One colliery has ceased production so far this year and the board has 189W also discussed and agreed with the unions the closure of two others owing to exhaustion of workable reserves. Any further closures during 1974 will follow discussions between the board and the union within their agreed colliery review procedure.