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- An island of coal: the British National Coal Board and their 'Plans for coal' 1947 to 1987Publication . Vernon, RobertABSTRACT: By the end of World War II, the UK coal industry was in slow decline. It was revitalised in 1947, when it was nationalised, as the National Coal Board. The first 'Plan for Coal' and its revision were published in the 1950s. Modernising many collieries achieved an increase in coal production. Geological exploration also identified coal reserves for new deep collieries mainly in concealed measures that surrounded the existing coalfields. The Yom Kuppur war in 1973 highlighted how dependent the UK was on oil and gas from the Middle East. A balanced energy strategy was needed, that included increased coal production. The second 'Plan for Coal' was published in 1974. Geological exploration was concentrated on the concealed coalfields and the Selby mine complex, Yorkshire, was established. 'Plan2000' soon followed in 1978. It envisaged that extra coal production would be required by 2000. Exploration proved considerable coal resources, but by the end of the 1980s the use of coal was in decline and the industry was privatised. The study demonstrates how the 'Plans for Coal' increased our knowledge of coal geology and proved that the UK is indeed an 'Island of Coal.'