HC Deb 22 November 1976 vol 919 c821W
Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will identify the recoverable coal reserves and give an estimate of the total probable reserves in the counties of Leicestershire, Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire centred on the Vale of Belvoir project.

Mr. Benn

I refer the hon. Member to the answer that my right hon. Friend gave to the hon. Member for Rother Valley (Mr. Hardy) on 15th November. —[Vol. 919, c. 334.]

Mr. Woof

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what are the estimates of the present coal mining industry's operating reserves in number of years' output; and whether further detailed exploration could increase the number of years supply of coal.

Mr. Eadie

Operating reserves cover known coal measures which can be worked under current market conditions, with present mining technology and which are accessible from existing or committed new pits. The extent of these reserves, and, therefore, their endurance, varies considerably from pit to pit, but in global terms the sum of all the estimated individual reserves is equivalent to about 40 years' supply at the current national output.

The NCB's continuing exploration programme is expected to increase operating reserves substantially as new pits become approved and also at existing pits.