§ 18. Mr. Dormandasked the Secretary of State for Energy what discussions he is having in an endeavour to bring the dispute in the coal mining industry to an end.
§ Mr. Canavanasked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he will make a statement about the miners' strike.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerI refer the hon. Members to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Wokingham (Sir W. van Straubenzee).
§ 20. Mr. Hannamasked the Secretary of State for Energy, what is the most recent estimate of the cost of the mineworkers' overtime ban; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerThe NCB tells me that the loss on revenue account in 1983–84 which is attributable to the overtime ban, together with the strikes in some coalfields, is provisionally estimated at some £200 million. Losses in 1984–85 have been running at the rate of some £30 million per week. Mineworkers are forgoing approximately £18 million per week in wages, and to date have lost over £200 million during this dispute.