§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy how much coal was imported into the United Kingdom for the latest year for which he has figures; what strategic planning he has forecast for the next five years by year; and if he will make a statement on what reviews have been carried out or are planned with respect to the importation of coal and closure of deep-mined pits in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerIn 1988, coal imports into the United Kingdom were 11.993 million tones1 7.390 million tonnes of which was coking coal. The Government do not make forecasts of coal imports. Decisions on the future of individual deep-mine pits are a matter for the British Coal Corporation.
1 Source: Her Majesty's Customs and Excise. This is a provisional rounded figure, which may be subject to marginal adjustments, but is expected to be confirmed later this year.