§ Mr. Clayasked the Secretary of State for Energy what discussions he has had about ensuring the supply of coal to domestic consumers who meet the criteria for priority need agreed between the National Coal Board and the National Union of Mineworkers; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Giles ShawThe National Coal Board and the coal trade know best the kind of arrangements needed to keep their customers supplied. I understand that they are working with local authorities and the social services to deal with priority categories of customers.
I hope that the NUM will bear in mind, in any decisions or recommendations it makes, not only the interests of such special categories of coal consumers but also the coal industry's own future prospects.