§ Mr. HoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement on his policy concerning the granting of licences to private mining companies to develop opencast coal reserves.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerUnder existing legislation the British Coal Corporation is responsible for the granting of licences for private opencast mining operations.
§ Mr. HoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy how many licences were given to mining companies to mine coal either in deep-mined or opencast mines annually since 1979; and if he will list the companies given licences since 1979.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerThis is a matter for the British Coal Corporation and I will ask the chairman to write to the hon. Member.