HC Deb 07 November 1988 vol 140 cc5-6
Mr. Janner

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy when he last met the chairman of British Coal; and what matters were discussed.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy (Mr. Michael Spicer)

My right hon. Friend and I meet the chairman of British Coal regularly to discuss all aspects of the coal industry.

Mr. Janner

Has the Minister discussed with British Coal the delay in the announcement of any further opening of pits in the Vale of Belvoir in Leicestershire, other than the Asfordby pit? As the Secretary of State said earlier that British Coal has a good opportunity to secure a major proportion of our coal market, what are the Government's plans for making use of the cheap and excellent coal available in the Vale of Belvoir? How will they ensure that the skilled and devoted miners will not continue to be slowly put out of work?

Mr. Spicer

The hon. and learned Gentleman will have been pleased to note the agreement on six-day working between the UDM and British Coal at the Asfordby pit, which was one of the major sticking points in its development. Work is now proceeding at some rate. As for other pits in the area, Hawkhurst Moor is not far away, and I understand that a planning inquiry for that pit is due in January 1989.

Mr. Ashby

Did my hon. Friend discuss with the chairman the early introduction of a Bill on mining subsidence? If he did not, did he discuss the introduction by British Coal of a method of practice in line with the White Paper on mining subsidence? Is British Coal anticipating a Bill and doing now what it will have to do later?

Mr. Spicer

We have discussed both those questions with the chairman and his officials. There are a number of ways in which British Coal can improve its present practices on subsidence. The Waddilove report has been published and at an early opportunity we shall introduce legislation to comply with its recommendations.

Mr. Redmond

When do the Minister and the Secretary of State intend to get off their backsides and stop behaving like Pontius Pilate? When will they ensure that retired miners who produced coal for this country throughout two world wars have sufficient fuel for themselves? Will he talk to the chairman of British Coal and ensure that those lads and lasses have the fuel that they require to keep warm during the coming winter?

Mr. Spicer

This matter has been discussed. In fact, the hon. Gentleman took part in an Adjournment debate on it. There are restrictions on how far back such concessions can go. They are a matter for British Coal. I shall certainly pass on the hon. Gentleman's remarks, but the situation is as it stands, and as he knows it.