§ Mr. Pawseyasked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) if he will ask the National Coal Board to prepare an assessment of the potential of the south Warwickshire coal reserves; if he will place a copy, when received, in the Library; and if he will make a statement;
(2) further to his answer to the hon. Member for Rugby and Kenilworth on 19 March, Official Report, column 314, what discussions have taken place between the National Coal Board and local authorities; which local authorities were involved; when they took place; and if he will make a statement;
(3) further to his reply to the hon. Member for Rugby and Kenilworth on 19 March, Official Report, column 314 (a) how many surveys have taken place, (b) when they took place, (c) what are the findings of the surveys and (d) how much the surveys cost.
48W
§ Mr. Giles ShawThese are matters for the day-to-day management of the National Coal Board. I have nothing further to add to my reply to the hon. Member on 19 March.
§ Mr. Meacherasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will indicate the level of employment, the level of investment and the number of pits closed in the mining industry each year since 1970.
§ Mr. Giles ShawThe information requested is set out in the table:
Year ending in March Number of men on colliery books (000) Investment £m Closures 1971 286 68.5 6 1972 274 91.1 3 1973 264 88.8 8 1974 243 79.5 18 1975 249 145.2 10 1976 244 216.6 5 1977 242 279.5 3 1978 239 350.3 5 1979 233 480.8 9 1980 233 660.9 5 1981 225 806.8 9 1982 213 811.6 10 1983 203 857.2 7