HC Deb 26 February 1990 vol 168 cc91-2W
15. Mr. Douglas

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement on the current level of production of coal from deep mines in Scotland.

Mr. Baldry

British Coal tells me that, so far this year, deep-mined output in Scotland is nearly 1.6 million tonnes, broadly the same as the output achieved in the same period last year, but at a productivity rate 75 per cent. higher. This is a remarkable achievement, and I congratulate both mineworkers and management.