HC Deb 13 December 1982 vol 34 cc1-3
1. Mr. Welsh

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what was the change in real wages costs per tonne in the United Kingdom coal industry in 1981–82.

The Under-Secretary of State for Energy (Mr. John Moore)

Industrial wage costs per tonne fell in real terms by 2.6 per cent. in the year 1981–82 compared to 1980–81. This fall was due to higher productivity. Wage levels were maintained in real terms.

Mr. Welsh

I thank the Minister for that reply, but does he agree, on this special occasion, that other costs must be taken into account, such as those of disasters in mines, like the Coventry accident this weekend, which was a terrible cost? Will the Minister, because of those circumstances, convey our deep thanks to all who took part in the rescue so speedily and so well, and convey to the injured and their loved ones our best wishes for a speedy recovery?

Mr. Moore

I am sure that on this occasion the hon. Member, with his long experience of the mining industry, expresses the mood and sentiment of both sides of the House. I visited the colliery on Saturday afternoon and the men in hospital. I am happy to report that at that time, and since, the men were well on the way to recovery. When I last heard, seven men were in hospital. I shall convey to the industry and to those involved in the excellent and courageous rescue operation the good wishes and the sentiments of the House.

Mr. Rost

Will my hon. Friend confirm that although productivity has shown a welcome marginal increase, the deficits of the National Coal Board look as if they will be above its estimates for the current year? How will those deficits be financed unless there is a speed up of closures of uneconomic pits?

Mr. Moore

Despite the present difficulties in the market, it is difficult to judge the current deficit. We hope that the National Coal Board will stay, as it wishes to, within its current EFL.

Mr. Rowlands

As one who represents a mining community, I share the sentiments of anguish and grief expressed by hon. Members on both sides of the House about the colliery disaster.

With regard to the main question, does the hon. Gentleman understand the deep sense of frustration that is felt in many parts of our coalfields, particularly in the Welsh coalfield, about the cutbacks in capital investment which will endanger the development of that coalfield? For example, is he aware that the cutback in capital expenditure in the Welsh coalfield has been 40 per cent. or more in real terms? Will the Minister re-examine these figures, because that is the basis for the frustration and anger recently expressed in that coalfield?

Mr. Moore

As the hon. Member knows full well, the investment in the coal industry that is approved by the Government goes to the coal industry as a whole. As he also knows, the decisions on where to put that investment must be a matter for the board, and both Conservative and Labour Parties, when in Government, have given the coal industry since "Plan for Coal" £4½ billion in investment, £1½ billion in excess of that anticipated in "Plan for Coal".

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