§ Mr. Sillarsasked the Secretary of State for Energy to what he attributes the continued high level of coal imports; and what measures are being taken to offset these requirements by new sinkings or expansion of present pits in Scotland.
§ Mr. EadieImports of coal in 1977–78 were 2.7 million tonnes, only some 2 per cent. of home consumption, and this year they are expected to be less. Imports of anthracite should no longer be required when Betws comes into full production; the NCB and the BSC are jointly studying the scope for using NCB blends of coking coal in place of imports; and under the CEGB coal-burn scheme announced on 11th October they will not be importing steam coal this winter.
Investment in the Scottish coalfield, as in the rest of the coal industry, will help ensure that wherever possible we can 568W meet the country's requirements for coal from out own resources.