§ Mr. Sillarsasked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) if he will give a general direction to the National Coal Board to require it to inform men in writing of all propositions affecting them when a pit falls under the closure procedure;
(2) if he will set up a departmental inquiry into the National Coal Board's handling of its withdrawal from deep 447W mining in the Doon valley, with special reference to the lack of precise advance information to the workforce and local authorities.
§ Mr. EadieThere are long established and well defined arrangements agreed between the board and the unions for the discussion of possible colliery closures. Any adjustment to these procedures would be for the industry to discuss with the Secretary of State for Energy, who has indeed made suggestions for improving them.