§ Mr. Masonasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will give the figures of coal stocks for each of the last five years up to the most recent date, specifying the stock levels in each area of the National Coal Board.
§ Mr. David HuntThe national figures for undistributed coal stocks over the last five years are:
million tonnes 1980–81 20.9 1981–82 24.9 1982–83 25.0 1983–84 21.0 1984–85 19.0 More detailed figures are a matter for the National Coal Board.
§ Mr. Masonasked the Secretary of State for Energy what assessment he has made of the implications of the current level of production of North sea gas, the fall in oil prices and the availability of cheap foreign coal for (a) the ability of the National Coal Board to meet its target for financial break-even and (b) for the board's investment programme; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David HuntIt is still too early to judge the likely extent and duration of the recent sharp deline in oil prices which together with imported coal and other fuels have increased the competitive pressure on the National Coal Board. It is therefore too soon to assess the implications for the NCB's target of break-even next year and for the Board's longer tem investment programme.