HC Deb 20 December 1985 vol 89 cc329-30W
Mr. Orme

asked the Secretary of State for Energy how many establishments other than pits and workshops have been closed by the National Coal Board since the end of the dispute in March; and if he will list them.

Mr. David Hunt

The only establishments other than collieries covered by the provisions of the coal industry's review procedures and closed since the end of the strike are the Caerphilly tar plant of Thomas Ness Ltd. and Derwenthaugh coking works of National Smokeless Fuels Ltd. The closure of other establishments are matters for the National Coal Board's local management on which information is not collected centrally.

Mr. Orme

asked the Secretary of State for Energy how many workshops have been closed by the National Coal Board since the end of the dispute in March; and if will list them.

Mr. David Hunt

I understand from the National Coal Board that seven workshops have closed since the end of the strike in March. They are:

  • Whitburn
  • Carcroft
  • Elsecar
  • Birdwell
  • Blackwell
  • Kirkless
  • Tondu

Mr. Orme

asked the Secretary of State for Energy how many pits have been closed by the National Coal Board since the end of the dispute in March; and if he will list them.

Mr. David Hunt

I understand from the National Coal Board that 23 collieries have closed since the end of the strike in March. They are:

  • Brenkley
  • Herrington
  • Sacriston
  • Ackton Hall
  • Savile
  • Yorkshire Main
  • Cortonwood
  • Brookhouse
  • Fryston
  • Moorgreen
  • Pye Hill
  • Wolstanton
  • Bold
  • Haig
  • Bedwas
  • Celynen South
  • Markham
  • Treforgan
  • Penrikyber
  • Aberpergwm
  • Abertillery
  • St. Johns
  • Garw

Mr. Orme

asked the Secretary of State for Energy how many mineworkers have been redeployed by the National Coal Board from establishments closed since the end of the dispute in March; and how many have opted for voluntary redundancy.

Mr. David Hunt

The redeployment of mineworkers is a matter for the National Coal Board. Between 9 March 1985 and 30 November 1985 some 18,500 men from colliery books took redundancy. The proportion of these who came from establishments closed since the end of the dispute could be established only at disproportionate cost.

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