§ 34. Mr. Eadieasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent advice he has received on the contraction of the coal industry; and whether he has received any request for moneys arising out of the Coal Industry Act to assist in reducing such contraction.
§ Mr. Tom BoardmanI have had a number of separate meetings with the National Coal Board, the mining unions and representatives of the main coal consumers at which the future level of demand for coal has been discussed. There has also been a request by the unions and by certain hon. Members for part of the moneys available under the Coal Industry Act to be used to prevent a specific pit closure.