§ 14. Mr. Eric ClarkeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he will next meet the Scottish Trades Union Congress to discuss Scottish industry.
§ Mr. StewartMy right hon. Friend and I have frequent contacts with the Scottish Trades Union Congress on a range of matters concerning Scottish industry. We look forward to a continuing exchange of views.
§ Mr. ClarkeWill the Minister arrange a meeting with the STUC on the future of the coal industry in Scotland if and when privatisation takes place? The Scots are worried —I am sure that the country is also worried—that the premature closure of Frances colliery, with the potential loss of 1,000 jobs, is in the offing. I hope that the Minister will support that and the future of Monktonhall colliery in my constituency. Will he give a guarantee that such a meeting will take place and that the whole of the Scottish coalfield will be sold to a consortium of the people whom I represent?
§ Mr. StewartThe whole House knows the hon. Gentleman's knowledge and expertise of the industry. He led a delegation to discuss proposals for a separate Scottish coalfield. I can certainly give him an assurance that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and I, in addition to my hon. Friend the Minister 330 for Energy, who has direct responsibility for these matters, will be happy to meet the hon. Gentleman and others concerned to discuss the future.
So far as Frances colliery is concerned, it continues on a care and maintenance basis by British Coal at a cost to British Coal of £2 million per annum. The hon. Gentleman will know that consultations on the future of Frances are continuing between British Coal and the mining unions at present. If the option to offer the mine to the private sector is pursued, Frances will be advertised in due course and interest sought from independent mine operators.