§ 2. Mr. O'Brienasked the Secretary of State for Energy what are the latest productivity figures for the north Yorkshire area of the National Coal Board; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Secretary of State for Energy (Mr. Peter Walker)Deep mined revenue productivity in the north Yorkshire area of the National Coal Board averaged 3.36 tonnes per man shift in the week ending 19 April. The future prosperity of the coal industry depends upon continuing efforts to reduce production costs.
§ Mr. O'BrienIn view of the Secretary of State's answer and of the sterling work done by the men in the north Yorkshire coalfield in particular, but throughout the coalfields in general, will he have a word with the stone-hearted Mr. MacGregor of British Coal and ask him immediately to settle the mineworker's pay increase and to leave the pension scheme as a separate issue? A settlement is due to the men. I ask the Secretary of State to intervene and ensure that they receive their just reward.
§ Mr. WalkerI have no intention of intervening. This is a matter for negotiation between the National Coal Board and the National Union of Mineworkers.
§ Mr. Michael MorrisDo not those figures demonstrate that when men are allowed to respond to good management they produce good figures? Furthermore, should we not as a House congratulate British Coal on its fine performance in the past 12 months?
§ Mr. WalkerYes. These are substantial improvements on any productivity figures since nationalisation.
§ Mr. MasonWhat assurances can the Secretary of State give about the future of Redbrook colliery in the north Yorkshire coalfield?
§ Mr. WalkerThat is a matter for discussion between the National Coal Board and the industry.
§ Mr. YeoAre not increases in productivity in north Yorkshire and elsewhere one way in which miners can secure their jobs for the long-term, in sharp contrast to the action taken by Arthur Scargill last year?
§ Mr. WalkerYes and another result of the good productivity figures is that, under the various incentive schemes, the miners have gone back with good wage packets.