§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy why, in view of the fact that the United Kingdom is said to have supplies of coal lasting some 300 years at current rates of extraction, and many fields are awaiting development, he is authorising further exploration.
§ Mr. EadieAn assessment of total recoverable reserves is not based on the detailed knowledge of the extent, thickness, quality, etc., of specific deposits which is needed before plans to exploit 61W them in the most economic way can be drawn up. This is the main purpose of the National Coal Board's exploration programme. Exploration has so far been completed at only two possible sites for major new mines in addition to Selby: North-East Leicestershire and Park in Staffordshire.