§ Mr. Ron Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) if he will have discussions with the chairman of the National Coal Board about its plans for the future development of United Kingdom coking coal deposits and the export potential of this commodity; and if he will make a statement;
809W(2) what information he has as to the plans of the National Coal Board for developing coking coal deposits in the period from 1985 to 1990.
§ Mr. David HuntAssessment of the scope to develop coking coal deposits in the United Kingdom is a matter for the National Coal Board. The Government expect the board to maximise its long term profitability by securing those sales which are profitable on a continuing basis, whether at home or overseas.