§ Mr. Rostasked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the exploration programme over the next three years for the discovery of more new coal reserves in the United Kingdom; and what is the estimated cost.
§ Mr. EadieThe National Coal Board's exploration programme for the next three years is still being finalised. I have asked the Chairman of the Board to write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.
§ Mr. Rostasked the Secretary of State for Energy by how much workable United Kingdom coal reserves have been increased as a result of the exploration programme recommenced recently by the National Coal Board; what has been the cost to date of this exploration work; and what is the estimated value of the new reserves proved to date.
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§ Mr. EadieDuring the past three years it is estimated that economically workable coal reserves have increased by 1,500 million tons as a result of the national exploration programme. The cost o fthis exploration has amounted to about £25 million. The estimated value of these new reserves is £30,000 million.