§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the average investment per person employed by the National Coal Board in each year since 1964, overall and by coalfield; and what projections have been made for future years.
§ Mr. EadieThe average investment per person employed by the National Coal Board each year from 1964–65 to 1975–76 is shown below. I have asked the Chairman of the Board to send to the hon. Member a breakdown of the figures by coalfields. Investment under "Plan for Coal" will mean a continuation in the years ahead of a high level of average investment per person employed by the Board.
Average investment per person employed by NCB £ 1964–65 159 1965–66 162 1966–67 167 1967–68 170 1968–69 140 1969–70 148 1970–71 190 1971–72 176 1972–73 239 1973–74 226 1974–75 372 1975–76 696
§ Mr. Biffenasked the Secretary of State for Energy what discussions have been held with the National Coal Board concerning the importation of coking coal in the light of the proposed investment by the National Coal Board in Queensland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. EadieThe Board has kept me informed of its involvement in the Queensland project, which for the present at least is only an exploration project, with the NCB supplying technical services, as set out in my reply of 21st March to the hon. Member for Derbyshire, South-East (Mr. Rost)—[Vol. 928, c.363] The question of the disposal of any coking coal that might later on be developed under subsequent contracts has not, therefore, yet arisen.