Secretary of State for Energy (Hansard, 10 January 1985)

§ Q1. Mr. Bidwell
asked the Prime Minister if she will dismiss the Secretary of State for Energy.

§ The Prime Minister (Mrs. Margaret Thatcher)
No, Sir.

§ Mr. Bidwell
Will the right hon. Lady explain to the House why the Secretary of State for Energy did not make better use of his meeting with the leaders of the Trades Unions Congress, led by that nice man Mr. Willis? As the pound slumps, and as further industrial action is contemplated in relation to the mining dispute, will the right hon. Lady do what Energy Ministers do not seem to be able to do, and get negotiations under way?

§ The Prime Minister
I believe that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy makes excellent use of all his opportunities. In particular, he never fails to explain what an excellent offer the National Coal Board has made to the National Union of Mineworkers. It is better than any previous offer. Both my right hon. Friend and I hope that more and more men will continue to return to work.

§ Sir Kenneth Lewis
Did my right hon. Friend notice that yesterday the Secretary of State for the Environment, after the National Economic Development Office meeting, saidÖ

§ Mr. Speaker
Order. If the hon. Gentleman will consult his Order Paper, he will see that the question refers to the Secretary of State for Energy.