§ Mr. Brothertonasked the Secretary of State for Energy how many privately owned coal mines are currently in operation; how this compares with the position 12 months earlier; how many applications for licences to mine have been granted in the last five years; how many have been turned down; and what proposals he has to relax the licensing procedure.
§ Mr. John MooreUnder the Coal Industry Nationalisation Act 1946 it is for the National Coal Board to grant licences for operating private mines. I have26W therefore asked the chairman of the board to write to my hon. Friend to answer to the statistical part of his question. As regards licensing policy, I have this at present under review with the board.