HC Deb 15 November 1982 vol 32 cc44-5W
33. Mr. Ioan Evans

asked the Secretary of State for Energy to what extent his approval is required for National Coal Board pit closures.

Mr. John Moore

The National Coal Board does not require the consent of the Secretary of State for pit closures.

34. Mr. Eggar

asked the Secretary of State for Energy how many National Coal Board pits have been closed since February 1981.

Mr. John Moore

I am informed by the NCB that there were 213 pits in production in February 1981, compared with 194 today. Since February 1981, 15 pits have closed. In the same period two mergers have reduced four pits to two; and two pits are at present on an unproducing development only basis.

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