HC Deb 18 July 1979 vol 970 c742W
Mr. Richard Shepherd

asked the Secretary of State for Energy why he has decided to continue the existing statutory provisions which restrict the numbers employed in private deep mines to 30 and the output of private opencast mines to 25,000 tons; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John Moore

These arrangements appear to have worked satisfactorily for many years and caused little difficulty. But if my hon. Friend has any particular problem in mind I should be glad to look into it.