HL Deb 29 January 2002 vol 631 cc24-5WA
Lord Hardy of Wath

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How current levels of productivity in United Kingdom collieries compare with those achieved in 1991 and 1981. [HL2128]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Trade and Industry (Lord Sainsbury of Turville)

>In the 12 months to March 2001, it is estimated that productivity in United Kingdom collieries was 2,000 tonnes per person (including contractors) employed per year. Published data for 1981 and 1991 show that productivity was 640 and 1,930 tonnes per underground employee per year respectively, but these are only for deep mines operated by the former British Coal. Information on a comparable basis to the most recent figures for 2000–01 is riot available.