asked the Secretary of State for Energy how many licences for private opencast coal mining were issued in Scotland between August 1977 and the latest convenient date.

This is a matter within the day-to-day responsibility of the National Coal Board and I am asking the chairman to write to the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what is his policy as regards private opencast coal mining in Scotland.

Under the Opencast Coal Act 1958 the National Coal Board is authorised to grant licences for private opencast coal mining where the amount of coal involved does not exceed, or greatly exceed, 25,000 tons. This is entirely a matter for the board and my right hon. Friend has not statutory power to intervene.