HC Deb 05 July 1978 vol 953 c183W
Mr.Ogden

asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he has entered into a planning agreement with the National Coal Board.

Mr.Benn

I have today signed a planning agreement with the National Coal Board and have laid a statement before the House in accordance with section 21(3) of the Industry Act 1975. The agreement is the first planning agreement between the Government and a nationalised industry. The mining unions will also be signing the agreement to signify their approval of it.