§ 18. Mr. Harry BarnesTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy what estimate he has of the anticipated annual effect on the output from opencast coal production from the operation of the Department of the Environment and Welsh Office circular MP93, up to the year 2000.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerThe effects of the Department of the Environment's new guidance circular on coal production will depend on the decisions of the mineral planning authorities. It is neither possible nor desirable to anticipate these decisions.
§ Mr. SkinnerTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will list the number of licences granted for opencast mining projects in the last five years.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerThe British Coal Corporation is responsible for the issue of licences for private opencast mining operations. I will ask the chairman to write to the hon. Member.
§ Mr. SkinnerTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will give the figures for opencast coal production for the last five years.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerFigures for British Coal's opencast coal production are shown in its annual report and accounts. Information on licensed opencast production would have to be sought from the corporation.