§ Mr. Allen McKayasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will give assurances that Government support to the National Coal Board plans to mine coal in the Vale of Belvoir will be forthcoming in view of the energy crisis.
§ Mr. John MooreAs I have already made clear, the Government believe that an efficient and competitive coal industry has an important part to play in meeting future energy needs. A great deal of investment to provide additional capacity 23W for future coal production will be essention. But it would not be appropriate for me as a member of the Government to express views one way or the other during the public consideration of any particular planning application.