§ Mr. Woofasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement on current research and development into new methods of winning and using of coal to conserve energy.
§ Mr. EadieThe National Coal Board recently reviewed its research and development programme and decided to mount a substantially increased effort in coal winning which will include the study of new methods. In addition the board has proposed a £40 million development programme on coal conversion processes in which energy conservation is implicit through the objective of seeking to use coal more efficiently. The coal conversion proposals are being studied by the Working Group on Research and Development of the Coal Industry Inquiry under my chairmanship.