HC Deb 08 February 1982 vol 17 cc724-5
6. Mr. Marlow

asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he will bring forward proposals to lease individual coal mines to their work forces.

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

Should proposals be received from the work forces to lease individual coal mines to them the Government will of course, consider them.

Mr. Marlow

If at some future date we were able to establish co-operatives run by the miners, would not one of the many benefits be their ability to raise additional capital on the private market rather than relying entirely on the taxpayer, thereby allowing an expansion in activity, investment and jobs?

Mr. Moore

My hon. Friend has made an excellent point. Those of us who are concerned with the coal industry would welcome any idea that would attract capital for it, from whatever source.

Mr. Edwin Wainwright

Does the Under-Secretary realise that the NUM would greatly object to mines of whatever size coming under private enterprise?

Mr. Marlow

Why?

Mr. Wainwright

Is the Under-Secretary aware that, as one who worked in the coal industry under private enterprise, I will fight like the devil to make sure that the mines are never returned to the private sector? Safety was not the priority that it should have been and there were more accidents and fatalities and very bad working conditions when the mines were privately owned.

Mr. Moore

I respect the hon. Gentleman's long experience in the industry and his obvious emotional intensity, but I hope that he will respect the flexible nature of our response. If we can find mechanisms that attract the support of the work force and the public—

Mr. William Hamilton

Freddie Laker.

Mr. Moore

Those who deny the opportunities given by the private sector should address their remarks to consumers who do not take the same view as Labour Members of the demise of Sir Freddie Laker.