Opencast Mining

HC Deb 17 June 1991 vol 193 cc61-2W

Mr. Dobson

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will list the actions taken by the Government to increase opencast coal mining.

Mr. Wakeham

We have taken no action intended to increase opencast coal mining. I refer the hon. Member to the answer that my hon. Friend the Member for Wells (Mr. Heathcoat-Amory) gave to the question from the hon. Member for Monmouth (Mr. Edwards) today.

Mr. Edwards

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what is his policy on the future level of opencast mining activity.

Mr. Heathcoat-Amory

There is no Government target for opencast coal output. The future level of opencast mining activity will be determined by market demand and the acceptability to the planning authorities of proposals for new sites.