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THE COMMON ROOM

19th March 1965, Page 96
19th March 1965
Page 96
Page 96, 19th March 1965 — THE COMMON ROOM
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

The Changing Coal Industry

SINCE 1957, coal has ceased to be the complete base of the country's energy. Before that date the National Coal Board was pressing upwards the production of coal and had estimated that in 1965, 240m. tons needed to be produced. In fact, the past three years have seen a great struggle by the coal industry to keep within a figure of I80-190m. tons and even the modest estimated output of 200m. tons for 1970 seems decidedly optimistic. The largest single factor in causing this complete change has been the dramatic entry of oil into the energy market. In 1952, oil contributed 20m. tons coal equivalent; today, it has reached 80m. tons and in 1970 oil's contribution is expected to reach 120m. tons coal equivalent.

The coal industry has thus been contracting, and it is likely to continue to contract and concentrate its forces on the more profitable fields. Paradoxically, this rationalization ought to be of great benefit for both railway and road freight transport. By far the most profitable coalfields are the East Midland (with centres at Nottingham, Ilkeston, Chesterfield and Coalville) and the South Yorkshire (with Barnsley, Doncaster. Rotherham and Wakefield as the main towns). Both these fields have regular seams, large reserves, a minimum of geological difficulties and produce many varieties of coal. Together with Durham's coking coal, vital in the iron and steel industry, these fields are likely to contribute perhaps three-quarters of all production in the future. The South Wales anthracite belt, because of the world shortage of anthracite; the Northumberland. because of the ease of coast-wise export through Blyth; and R38 the West Midland, in view of the proximity of large power stations, are likely to stabilize their production. The older and difficult Scottish fields, the Cumberland, Lancashire and North Wales, together with the South Wales steam coal belt and the small Kentish fields, are all likely to suffer severe contraction.

The railway will have much more profitable haulage in these more concentrated conditions. More block train loads will be possible, running over much greater distances, and much of the more wasteful traffic of collecting small lots from innumerable collieries will be obviated. The increasing use of house coal concentration depots, like the recent schemes at West Drayton, Luton and Taunton, will also avoid the " tripping " of wagons to numerous small scattered sidings.

How will road haulage benefit? The present proportion of about 40m. tons carried by road from a total of 190m. tons is not likely to be diminished, as the East Midland and Yorkshire fields are well situated to take advantage of new motorways to parts of the country poorly served by the railways. Further, the concentration depots will also result in more mileage by coal traders. In some areas the concentration depot could serve a very, wide area of 30-40 miles. In such cases, traders are likely to use A licensees to haul coal to sub depots within more convenient distance of their domestic market.

Thus a more concentrated coal industry of about I80m. tons could lead to a more efficient and more economic use of both road and rail.

By George Wilmot


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