HC Deb 08 July 1992 vol 211 cc328-9
13. Mr. Foulkes

To ask the President of the Board of Trade by what means he proposes to implement his pledge to protect the pensions and concessionary coal of retired miners and widows after privatisation of British Coal.

Mr. Eggar

I have already made it clear that the pension and concessionary coal entitlements of the current and former employees will be safeguarded. The detailed implementation of those assurances will be announced as soon as possible.

Mr. Foulkes

Surely the Minister relises that such vague assurances will not reassure miners and miners' widows in my constituency and throughout the country. Miners have sacrificed their health and in some cases their lives to the industry, and their widows are entitled to pensions and concessionary coal. Will the Minister give an assurance that he will set up a pension trust to protect miners' pensions from the predatory purchasers who will want to take over the pits?

Mr. Eggar

I give the hon. Gentleman and the pensioners a clear, unequivocal commitment that there will be no rip-off of the British Coal pension funds.

Mrs. Currie

Is the Minister aware that it is highly likely that after the privatisation of British Coal the new company will entirely lose interest in such issues as the social clubs for retired miners and miners' welfare? There are some of these clubs in my constituency, in areas where there are now very few miners and no mines whatsoever. Will my hon. Friend take those issues into account and ensure that the facilities which exist can continue, preferably with some kind of support from what remains of British Coal, so that my constituents will not face a more difficult time in their leisure?

Mr. Eggar

Certainly I will.

Mr. Eric Clarke

Can the Minister give a guarantee that if there are any changes arising from privatisation the Government will not give those people an ultimatum and that failure to reply will not be taken as agreement, as has happened before in the case of British Coal? That would be intolerable because many people, due to eyesight and other difficulties, cannot fill in forms. Will the Minister give a guarantee that he will consult pensioners associations and others in those villages and communities before any changes are implemented?

Mr. Eggar

The hon. Gentleman made a very fair point in Committee, and I will certainly bear in mind what he has said, but it would help if some Opposition Members did not go around raising unnecessary scares.