A photographic print of Industry, Fuel & Power - Coal, Depots & Dumps

PITHEAD SHALE FOR SITE OF NEW HOVERPORT. Lorries loading shale at Chislet colliery, Kent, for the 10 mile journey to Pegwell Bay, where it will be used in the construction of the new international hoverport. Half of Chislet's north west tip (about 180,000 cubic yards) is being removed to form the base for the 12-acre landing and launching pad. Both black and red shales, which conform to Ministry of Transport specifications for general fill, are obtainable from colliery sites. The red shale which has been used extensively for road making is becoming scarce but the black shales of the type used at Pegwell Bay are in plentiful supply. The National Coal Board sell shale from site and contractors are responsible for collection. Contractors operating on colliery sites have to conform with Board regulations regarding work on tips, but the Board will advise on methods of working. More than 6 million tons of shale was sold from pithead sites last year and the demand is increasing. A small section dealing with sales has been set up under Mr. N. Little, Marketing Department, National Coal Board, Hobart House, Grosvenor Place, London, S.W.1.