§ Dr. Kim HowellsTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement on the model transitional agreements which he has suggested as viable contractual agreements between British Coal and National Power and Power Gen to take effect after the privatisation of electricity.
§ Mr. WakehamCoal contracts are a matter for commercial negotiation between British Coal and the generators.
§ Dr. Kim HowellsTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy what date has now been fixed for the sale to the private sector of each component branch of the electricity supply industry; and what level of certainty he attaches to the proposed date of each such sale.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerThe Government are firmly committed to completing the privatisation of the industry within this Parliament. The area boards will be offered for sale in autumn 1990. The two generating companies will be offered for sale in the first half of 1991. The precise timing for this has yet to be settled.
§ Dr. Kim HowellsTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy what is his estimate of the likely effects of electricity privatisation on levels of employment in the British coal mining industry.
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§ Mr. Michael SpicerThe coal industry will need to ensure that its future output and prices meet the needs of its main customers including the privatised electricity generators. Employment in the industry will depend both on demand for coal and future productivity gains. It is for British Coal to determine what its manpower requirements are and how it will meet them.