Coal Industry

HC Deb 13 July 1987 vol 119 cc334-6W

13. Mr. Skinner

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what plans he has to meet the chairman of British Coal about the future of the industry; and if he will make a statement.

14. Mr. Orme

asked the Secretary of State for Energy when he last met the chairman of British Coal to discuss the future of the industry.

Mr. Parkinson

I had an initial meeting with the chairman on 29 June, and intend to meet him regularly to discuss all aspects of the coal industry.

17. Mr. Hannam

asked the Secretary of State for Energy when he next plans to meet the chairman of British Coal to discuss coal prices.

Mr. Parkinson

I intend to meet the chairman of British Coal regularly to discuss all aspects of the coal industry.

18. Mr. Ashby

asked the Secretary of State for Energy when he intends to lay orders under sections 6 and 7 of the Coal Industry Act 1987.

Mr. Michael Spicer

I hope to do so shortly.

23. Mr. Barron

asked the Secretary of State for Energy when he last met the chairman of British Coal; and what issues were discussed.

Financial Support to the Coal Industry (£ million)
	1979–80	1980–81	1981–82	1982–83	1983–84	1984–85	1985–86	1986–87	Total
Deficit and Operating Grants	189	175	455	386	875	2,225	50	290	4,645
Social Grants	62	79	120	134	270	189	513	594	1,961
Pneumoconiosis	—	1	2	1	1	—	—	—	5
Total Grants1	251	255	577	521	1,146	2,414	563	884	6,611
RMPS	16	16	49	81	191	202	566	614	1,735
Total Support2	267	271	626	602	1,337	2,616	1,129	1,498	8,346
1 Figures are on an accruals basis.
2 This represents total Government support for the industry and includes RMPS amounts paid direct to redundant mineworkers.

In addition the Government has supported the following levels of capital investment by the coal industry.

	£ million
1979–80	661
1980–81	807
1981–82	812
1982–83	842
1983–84	702
1984–85	371
1985–86	660
1986–87	650
Total	5,505

31. Mr. Knox

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what has been the increase in labour productivity in the coal mining industry compared with 1983–84.

Mr. Michael Spicer

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given earlier today to the hon. Member for Tatton (Mr. Hamilton).

37. Mr. Jack Thompson

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he has yet had the opportunity to meet the chairman or board members of British Coal to discuss the future of the coal mining industry.

Mr. Parkinson

I intend to meet the chairman of British Coal regularly to discuss all aspects of the coal industry.

39. Mr. Marlow

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement on his plans for the coal industry.

41. Mr. Rogers

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement on the future of the coal industry.

Mr. Michael Spicer

The objectives agreed between the Government and the chairman of British Coal, Sir Robert Haslam, were announced to the House on 11 March. They remain valid.

42. Mr. Hardy

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he has any plans to privatise British Coal during the lifetime of the present Parliament.

Mr. Michael Spicer

My right hon. Friend I met the chairman on 29 June, and intend to meet him regularly to discuss all aspects of the coal industry.

29. Mr. Sumberg

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will give details of the Government's financial support to British Coal for each financial year since 1979–80.

Mr.Michael Spicer

The information requested by my hon.Friend is as follows.

Michael Spicer

We have no such plans.