HC Deb 12 May 1986 vol 97 cc436-7
12. Mr. Dormand

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement on the latest progress of National Coal Board (Enterprise) Ltd. in providing alternative employment in coalmining areas.

Mr. David Hunt

At the end of April 1986 NCB (Enterprise) Ltd. had committed £10 million, assisting 488 projects, which will create 6,410 job opportunities. That commitment has generated a further £52.7 million of investment from other sources.

Mr. Dormand

Is the Minister aware that, in spite of the figures that he has given, having regard to the number of jobs lost through pit closures, the NCB (Enterprise) Ltd. scheme is almost a complete failure? That is so in my area and in the north-east. Is there to be any increase in the resources available to NCB (Enterprise) Ltd.? Will any other changes be made to convince the people of the mining areas that the whole thing is not a sham to cover up pit closures?

Mr. Hunt

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and I have made it clear in the Chamber many times that there is no shortage of funds available for those who come forward with proposals for the creation of real jobs in coalmining areas. As for Easington, I understand that NCB (Enterprise) Ltd. is contributing towards a study of the east Durham coalfield, which will examine the problems of developing the potential of the area. To date, NCB (Enterprise) Ltd. has provided assistance for nine projects in the Easington area and is at an advanced stage of discussions with Easington district council about building starter units costing about £100,000. I wish that the hon. Gentleman would pause for a moment to pay tribute to the magnificent efforts of those involved in NCB (Enterprise) Ltd. in producing such remarkable results.

Mrs. Currie

May I congratulate my hon. Friend on the success of NCB (Enterprise) Ltd.? Does he agree with the comments made by many of my constituents, who have said that the help now available to those coping with change in the industry is far more generous than it was under Labour Governments, especially in the 1960s, when a dozen pits closed in south Derbyshire? Does he agree that the Government keep their promises and help those who need assistance with this scheme?

Mr. Hunt

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for putting the record straight. No one would pretend that NCB (Enterprise) Ltd. will provide an immediate answer to the serious employment problems of mining communities faced with pit closures, but it continues to show encouraging results.

Mr. Boyes

Is the Minister aware that, in the report on the east Durham coalfield, of which he has a copy, produced by Easington district council, Durham county council and Sunderland borough council, projects worth about £78 million were mentioned, of which £30 million were for the Sunderland borough council area? Is he also aware that, at the careers office, 4,500 youngsters are registered as having no proper jobs and that there are only 94 job vacancies? Why does he not give the £30 million to Sunderland borough council so that it can get on with some of the projects, create jobs for youngsters and, above all, give them some future?

Mr. Hunt

The enterprise company works closely with bodies such as local authorities and welcomes any ideas for the creation of real jobs, but it must be remembered that the enterprise company was established with the principal aim of creating permanent jobs in coalmining areas rather than the temporary jobs that tend to result from the infrastructure improvements proposed in "Communities in the East Durham Coalfield".

Mr. Willie W. Hamilton

Since the decline in oil prices is likely to accelerate pit closures, will the Government give firm undertakings that NCB (Enterprise) Ltd. will be given vastly increased funds to avoid the social and economic friction that will result from that accelerated closure programme?

Mr. Hunt

The important point to make about the company is that it has had remarkable results in persuading into coalmining areas funds that have always been available from banks, in venture capital resources and from other Government sources. It has continued its impressive record. Money already allocated will provide approaching £150 million of total investment. The resources of the enterprise company will be kept under careful review.

Mr. Portillo

Is my hon. Friend as dismayed as I am to hear some Opposition Members carping about the efforts of NCB (Enterprise) Ltd.? Does not their attitude threaten to undermine the good work that the company has done?

Mr. Hunt

I have been most disappointed by the attitude of some Opposition Members. Others have come forward with extremely good and constructive ideas. I wish that their colleagues would follow that example.