HC Deb 12 July 1977 vol 935 cc215-6
1. Mr. Tim Smith

asked the Prime Minister when he next intends to visit North Nottinghamshire.

The Prime Minister (Mr. James Callaghan)

I have at present no plans to do so.

Mr. Smith

I am sorry that that is the Prime Minister's reply. He might have learned something to his advantage. In view of the fact that the National Union of Mineworkers conference last week rejected by a small majority a local pit-by-pit incentive scheme, will the Prime Minister support a national ballot on that subject? Following that decision what proposals does he have to increase the take-home pay of Nottinghamshire miners, either by reducing their tax or encouraging some kind of increased productivity?

The Prime Minister

There are unfortunate precedents for the Government declaring themselves on the question of the national ballots of trade unions. It would not be wise for the Government to indicate whether they support a national ballot on internal matters of the National Union of Mineworkers in that way. But certainly, speaking for myself, I know that there is among the Nottinghamshire miners a strong desire in favour of a productivity scheme. I regret that that did not find favour with all the members of the union. If there were any desire to return to it there would be no opposition from the Government. There would be support.

Mr. Roy Hughes

May I remind those who are not acquainted with the coal mining industry that due to history, let alone the arduous and hazardous nature of the operation, a lot of hard bargaining will be involved between the National Coal Board and the unions before such an agreement can be reached?

The Prime Minister

I think that there will be a great deal of bargaining going on. I understand that the NUM has set a target that it wishes to achieve. That must have regard both to the level of output and the future of the industry. It is quite clear that during the past three years this Government have put more into the industry and given it a better chance and future—I am not drawing political comparisons—that it has ever had before. The industry has an assured future if it cares to take it. I hope that the miners will take that into account.