Economic Costs of Coal Pit Closure Programme in UK

Programme in UK Andrew Glyn The UK deepened coal industry faces closure of 31 of the existing 50 pits as a result both of further increases in coal imports and, more particularly, the construction of gas-fired power stations. The programme of closures will simultaneously worsen unemployment, the balance of payments, inflation and public borrowing. It should be cancelled and replaced with an energy policy within which UK coal can make a contribution reflecting its true potential.