HC Deb 25 July 1983 vol 46 c777
13. Mr. Adley

asked the Secretary of State for Energy when he next intends to meet representatives of the National Union of Mineworkers; and what he expects to discuss.

Mr. Peter Walker

I met national officers of all three mining unions on 29 June.

Mr. Adley

Was my right hon. Friend able to tell them, as he told the House today in answer to question No. 3, that the proportion of coal-generated electricity had increased in the last eight or nine years from 56 to 74 per cent.? As that is a clear indication that the Government are committed to the future of the coal industry, does he agree that it might be helpful to establish some sort of working relationship with Mr. Arthur Scargill?

Mr. Walker

I appreciated the manner in which the officers of the three mining unions came to the meeting and discussed the problems of the industry. During that meeting I made it clear that the Government intended to see that the coal industry had a good and successful future. I was able to point out that, during the years of the Conservative Administration, £3 billion had been invested in the coal industry.

Mr. Eadie

As the Secretary of State has revealed some of the discussions that he had with the NUM representatives, will he say whether he discussed with them the further uses of coal, such as liquefaction and gasification? Is he aware that the NUM is getting sick and tired of Government excuses for not starting the Point of Ayr pilot scheme?

Mr. Walker

I am anxious to look at any scheme that is designed to make a sensible use of coal, including liquefaction. During a considerable recession, the Government have made enormous resources available to the coal industry, which have enabled it to store surplus coal and to enable improvements to take place in consumption in various spheres. I shall be eager to look at any suggestion for the practical, sensible and economic use of coal.