Written question asked by Caroline Lucas (Green Party) on Tuesday, 20 September 2022, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 22 September 2022. It was answered by Graham Stuart (Conservative) on Wednesday, 28 September 2022 on behalf of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

Coal: Mining

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, pursuant to the Answer of 26 July 2022 to Question 39801 on the Coal Authority, for what reason it is his policy to conclude that a low demand for new coal extraction projects does not require a revision of (a) the Coal Authority’s duties with respect to licensing coal extraction and (b) the statutory duty to promote an economically viable coal industry, as set out in the Coal Industry Act 1994; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: The Government is committed to phasing out coal from electricity generation by 2024. Demand for new coal licences has fallen away as a consequence. Parliamentary time is precious and the coal extraction industry is already in decline in the UK without further interventions. Although coal will soon no longer be part of our electricity system, there may continue to be domestic demand for coal in industries such as steel, cement and for heritage railways. The current licensing regime leaves room for projects to come forward that could potentially meet that demand.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 51588
Session: 2022-23
Related items: Coal Authority
Tuesday, 26 July 2022
Written questions
House of Commons; Coal: Mining
Tuesday, 8 November 2022
Written questions
House of Commons; Coal: Mining
Friday, 2 December 2022
Written questions
House of Commons; Coal: Mining
Tuesday, 13 December 2022
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Coal Licensing Mining Coal Authority
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk