asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he anticipates that by 1985 and 2000 there will be a market demand for coal sufficient to match the planned production under the current programme.

Yes.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy how many coalfields are currently in operation in the United Kingdom; how many new seams have been recently discovered; where each is located; and when it is estimated that supplies of coal in the whole of the United Kingdom will run out, assuming that no new workable deposits are discovered.

This is a matter for the National Coal Board and I am asking the chairman to write to the hon. Member.