asked the Minister of Power if Her Majesty's Government will undertake a detailed study of the effects of the pit closures proposed in West Cumberland on the economy of the area.

I refer to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Joint Under-Secretary of State for Economic Affairs to my hon. Friends the Members for Durham, North-West (Mr. Armstrong) and Houghton-le-Spring (Mr. Urwin) on 25th November.

asked the Minister of Power if he will give a general direction to the National Coal Board not to authorise the closure of any pits until new firms are established in the area.

No. I explained to the House on 25th November, the measures which the National Coal Board and the Government were taking to provide other jobs for the men affected. The Government will keep the position under review in consultation with the Economic Planning Councils.