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Mr. Brotherton
asked the Secretary of State for Energy how many applications for licences to operate privately owned coal mines have been received to date in 1979; and how many licences have been granted.
Mr. John Moore
Under the Coal Industry Nationalisation Act 1946 it is for the National Coal Board to grant licences for operating privately-owned coal mines. I will therefore ask the chairman of the Board to write to my hon. Friend.