HC Deb 22 July 1974 vol 877 cc1029-30
15. Mr. Biffen

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement on current and prospective rates of productivity in the coal industry.

Mr. Varley

Output per manshift overall was 43.8 cwt in June.

The tripartite examination of the future rôle of the coal industry considered that the National Coal Board target of a 4 per cent. annual increase in productivity should be attainable with a major effort from all concerned.

Mr. Biffen

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the National Coal Board is at present able to supply only about 85 per cent. of the total coal requirements of the British Steel Corporation? Is this not a very unsatisfactory state of affairs? Will the right hon. Gentleman give us some idea of the factors that make for the rather disappointing levels of current productivity? In particular, does he think that if we could get away from the centralised wage structure, which was the unhappy legacy of Lord Robens, there might be some better prospects?

Mr. Varley

One of the reasons why output has been disappointing is the delays in development work during last year's industrial trouble. On the ques- tion of getting away from centralised wage bargaining, I understand that the NCB and the mining unions consider that appropriate incentive schemes could make a major contribution to productivity.

Mr. Crouch

Will the Secretary of State confirm that the wage award that has been made to the National Union of Mineworkers has not produced an increase in productivity? In view of that, will he initiate talks between the NCB and the National Union of Mineworkers with the intention of producing this incentive of a new pay structure?

Mr. Varley

I understand that discussions between the NCB and the mining unions are at a developed stage. On the question of working up the productivity scheme, I am confident, as they are, that productivity can be improved in the industry.

Mr. Cryer

Will my right hon. Friend assure the House that no productivity scheme which will endanger the safety of men working in the mines will be embarked upon? Does he accept that there is a danger that if we disregard safety in a blind attempt to seek productivity there may be a lowering of safety standards?

Mr. Varley

I am confident that the NCB and the mining unions are interested in maintaining a high level of safety within the industry. I feel sure that they would not embark on any productivity scheme which would endanger lives.