§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy whether the current figures of operational and potential reserves of coal need reassessment in the light of both increased costs and the location of resources.
§ Mr. John MooreOperating reserves—reserves at existing collieries and planned new developments—are assessed annually by the National Coal Board. Potential reserves, which are assessed in accordance with the criteria laid down by the 1976 World Energy Conference, are also reviewed regularly in the light of information gained from the board's exploration programme, which is continous. Recent evaluation has not indicated any reason to revise, except in detail, the 1976 World Energy Conference assessment.
Should there be any change in the World Energy Conference definitions of national reserves, the NCB would respond accordingly.