§ Dr. Mawhinneyasked the Secretary of State for Energy whether there is anything in the constitution of the new enterprise company which forbids it operating before the end of the current miners' strike.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerNo.
§ Dr. Mawhinneyasked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) when the new enterprise company will begin operation in mining districts;
(2) who will appoint the chief executive and senior officers of the new enterprise company; and when such appointments can be expected.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerThe appointment of the chief executive and senior officers of NCB (Enterprise) Ltd. will be made by the National Coal Board. I understand that it has almost completed assembling the board of directors. The appointment of the chief executive has been advertised to meet the procedures agreed within the industry. The details of the appointment have to be made known to the management of the NCB so that they can have an opportunity of applying for the post.
§ Dr. Mawhinneyasked the Secretary of State for Energy how the new enterprise company will be financed; and how much money it will have at its disposal annually.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerThe National Coal Board is providing initial funds of £5 million, but this figure will be reviewed as the activities of the company develop.
§ Dr. Mawhinneyasked the Secretary of State for Energy how many people the new enterprise company will employ.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerThe staffing structure has not yet been fixed, but the new enterprise company will be able to draw on the skills of the management of the whole of the National Coal Board and outside professional consultancy firms if necessary, as well as staff it employs directly.
§ Dr. Mawhinneyasked the Secretary of State for Energy how the new enterprise company will decide where and on which projects it will spend resources.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerThis will be a matter for the company.
§ Dr. Mawhinneyasked the Secretary of State for Energy with which bodies the Government and National Coal Board consulted before setting up the new enterprise company to fund projects in mining areas.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerThe new enterprise company will establish communications with all Government and other 651W agencies which provide finance, advice and trading facilities in the localities where the company will be operating.
§ Dr. Mawhinneyasked the Secretary of State for Energy who may apply to the new enterprise company for finance for job creation projects in mining areas; and by what criteria applications will be judged.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerAny person or firm interested in a project which will bring benefit to a mining community will be able to approach the new enterprise company. The applications will be judged on their potential for providing jobs in these communities.
§ Dr. Mawhinneyasked the Secretary of State for Energy whether the new enterprise company is intended to be a permanent feature within the coal mining industry; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerIt is certainly intended to be a feature for the forseeable future.