HC Deb 06 July 1981 vol 8 cc14-5
14. Mr. Ioan Evans

asked the Secretary of State for Energy when he next plans to meet the leaders of the National Coal Board and the National Union of Mineworkers to consider the future expansion of the coal industry.

Mr. John Moore

My hon. Friend and I hold meetings from time to time with representatives of the industry. The most recent was on 16 June.

Mr. Evans

Will the Minister take the opportunity to congratulate the board and the miners on their exports and their increase in productivity? Is that not a tremendous tribute to that publicly owned industry? Will the Minister ensure that the National Coal Board receives the financial wherewithal to develop new coal fields, such as the Vale of Belvoir, and Margam in South Wales, and to invest in the Phurnacite plant, so that we can get the smokeless fuel which is required?

Mr. Moore

With regard to the first series of questions, later today I shall take the opportunity to congratulate the miners and the management of the industry on their excellent and continuing increase in productivity, which was up in the first 12 weeks of this year by more than 3.6 per cent. against the comparable figure last year. Absenteeism, which is continuing to decline, has decreased by 2 per cent. The hon. Gentleman will recall the views both of the National Coal Board and of the Government on the subject of Aberavon.

Mr. Latham

With regard to the Vale of Belvoir, which three hon. Members have mentioned today, will my hon. Friend confirm, as I am sure that he will, that my constituents, as well as the National Coal Board, have rights and that one of those rights is that the matter should be considered dispassionately and objectively by the Secretary of State?

Mr. Moore

I understand the point which my hon. Friend seeks to make. As I suggested earlier to other hon. Members, on 2 July my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House said that no decision had yet been taken. I have nothing further to add to that statement.

Mr. Welsh

Will the Minister bring to the notice of the National Coal Board the fact that because we shall be dependent upon coal for many years it should take on enough apprentices to ensure its production?

Mr. Moore

I recognise our priceless energy asset in coal. I imagine that the National Coal Board as well as the miners also recognise their commitment to the future of the industry and, therefore, to the recruitment of juveniles, which they can obtain only if the industry is successful and competitive. It is in their hands to attain that object and to attract recruits into the industry.

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