§ Mr. Rostasked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the latest estimate of coal production for the National Coal Board financial year to the end of March; how this compares with production for 1975 –76; and what is the planned output for 1977 –78.
§ Mr. EadieThe National Coal Board's latest estimate of total coal production by the Board during its present financial year is 119 million tons. Production during the Board's financial year 1975 –76 was 1238 million tons. No firm estimate of production during 1977 –78 is possible until the effects of early retirement have been fully assessed. However, it is expected to be somewhat less than in the current year.