HC Deb 10 June 1981 vol 6 cc134-5W
Mr. Skinner

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the latest estimate of coal stocks, distributed and undistributed.

Mr. John Moore

Information on coal stocks is published in my Department's monthly statistical bulletin "Energy Trends", copies of which are available in the Library of the House. The latest issue, May 1981, shows that there were 39.3 million tonnes of coal in stock at the end of April.

Mr. Skinner

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what are the latest estimates of coal production and productivity in the United Kingdom.

Mr. John Moore

Figures on coal production and productivity are published monthly in my Department's statistical bulletin "Energy Trends", copies of which are available in the Library of the House. Provision figures for United Kingdom coal production in the financial year 1980–81 were: opencast output of 15.7 million tonnes and deepmined output of 110.9 million tonnes, compared with 13.4 and 109.9 million tonnes respectively in the previous financial year. Production from other sources is estimated at 1.8 million tonnes in both years. Productivity at NCB mines as indicated by the overall average output of coal per manshift during the financial year 1980–81, was 2.32 tonnes and 0.6 per cent. higher than in the previous financial year.

Mr. Skinner

asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he will allocate funds for the additional stocking of coal and coke during the period that other industries are running below capacity.

Mr. John Moore

Following my tripartite meetings with the NCB and representatives of the mining unions earlier this year, I am reviewing the NCB's financial arrangements and will take into account the extent to which the board is unable to sell its current production. It is, however, for the board itself to decide how to maintain a balance between demand for and supply of coal.

Mr. Skinner

asked the Secretary of State for Energy when he expects to announce the precise measures to curb coal imports, assist high-cost pits and other refinancing proposals in line with the Government's previous announcement.

Mr. John Moore

The National Coal Board is discussing with the Central Electricity Generating Board and the British Steel Corporation commercial arrangements which would lead to the replacement of imported coal.