§ 3. Mr. Patrick McNair-Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he is satisfied with the current level of coal productivity.
§ Mr. EadieI have nothing to add to the answer that my hon. Friend gave to the hon. Member on 25th October.
§ Mr. McNair-WilsonI should like to express our sincere sympathy to the family of the miner who was killed at the Darfield Main colliery this morning. We wish the injured a speedy recovery.
On productivity, can the Minister explain why, having spent about £200 million in the last two years on new underground equipment, performance is so disappointing? Does he not agree that if productivity does not improve, prices will rise?
§ Mr. EadieThe whole House will endorse what the hon. Gentleman said about the fatality that took place in the mining industry this morning. What he said about the technological equipment in relation to productivity is not entirely true. There are many factors, including geological factors, which are related to the question of techonological equipment. The hon. Gentleman is correct in saying that there is concern about output per man shift. I am pleased to say that last week productivity seemed to be increasing. The output was over 45 cwt per man shift.
§ Mr. MaddenTo what extent does the Minister think that coal production. accidents and fatalities within the industry would be reduced if the retirement age of the British miner were reduced in line with that of his Common Market counterparts?
§ Mr. EadieThat is an interesting question, and I would love to answer it. If the hon. Gentleman puts down a Question on the Order Paper I shall take delight in answering it.