HC Deb 27 January 1986 vol 90 cc636-7
10. Mr. Pike

asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he now proposes to make any changes in the membership of the board of the National Coal Board.

Mr. Peter Walker

I intend to make a number of full-time appointments to the board in the next few months. Sir Robert Haslam will take up his appointment as chairman on 1 September.

Mr. Pike

While the Secretary of State is making changes to the NCB membership, will he recognise that most people are appalled at the industrial relations record of members of the NCB, typified by the way in which they have dealt with the reinstatement of miners? Will he therefore appoint people to the NCB who will have a better industrial relations record than the present members?

Mr. Walker

I hope that the National Union of Mineworkers will appoint people to the presidency who have a better industrial relations record than the present president.

Mr. Orme

Will the Secretary of State comment on the interview that Mr. MacGregor gave yesterday in the Sunday Express, when he talked about leaving his job early? Will he retire before 1 September?

Mr. Walker

No, Sir. I am delighted to say that, as far as I know, Mr. MacGregor will continue until 1 September, when Sir Robert Haslam will take over.