HC Deb 07 December 1979 vol 975 c392W
Mr. Brotherton

asked the Secretary of State for Energy how many applications for licences to operate privately owned coal mines have been received to date in 1979; and how many licences have been granted.

Mr. John Moore

Under the Coal Industry Nationalisation Act 1946 it is for the National Coal Board to grant licences for operating privately-owned coal mines. I will therefore ask the chairman of the Board to write to my hon. Friend.