HC Deb 09 November 1984 vol 67 cc44-5W
Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will estimate the value of irretrievable machinery and equipment and the amount of coal not mined from the 20 working faces and eight salvage faces which have been lost to date during the current miners' dispute.

Mr. David Hunt

I understand from the National Coal Board that 20 working faces have been lost at the following collieries:

  • Castlehill
  • Polkemmet
  • Merton
  • Fryston
  • Hatfield
  • Rossington
  • Bentley
  • Highgate
  • Shirebrook
  • Markham (Derbyshire)
  • Tilmanstone
  • Bold
  • Penrikyber
  • Bedwas
  • Celynen South
  • St. Johns

Eight salvage faces have been lost at the following collieries:

  • Barony
  • Merton
  • Ackton Hall
  • Markham (Yorkshire)
  • Bullcliffe Wood
  • Houghton
  • Shirebrook

Questions about the financial and production losses arising from the loss of the faces are matters for the National Coal Board.

Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Energy, of the 20 working faces which have been lost during the current miners' dispute, how many had benefited from Her Majesty's Government's capital investment programme; and if he will give the amount involved, a list of the collieries involved and the expected life of the mines.

Mr. David Hunt

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I have given him today in which I indicated the collieries at which 20 working faces and eight salvage faces have been lost so far during the dispute.

The National Coal Board has benefited from massive investment, totalling £3.9 billion in the first five years of this Government. The detailed breakdown of this investment is a matter for the NCB. It is regrettable that any part of this major investment effort should be lost through the NUM's needless continuation of this damaging dispute.

Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Energy, of the further 84 coal faces causing concern to the National Coal Board, how many collieries are involved; and what is the amount of capital investment at risk.

Mr. David Hunt

I understand from the National Coal Board that there are faces currently causing the board concern at about 50 collieries.

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