§ Mr. BarronTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy what fees are to be paid to N. M. Rothschild in its capacity as adviser on the privatisation of British Coal.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryFees paid to Government advisers are commercially confidential. Total expenditure on coal privatisation will be reported to Parliament in the usual way through the publication of departmental estimates and the annual appropriation accounts.
§ Mr. BarronTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy what type of consultation is proposed with employees' organisations before firm plans are laid for the privatisation of British Coal.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryNo decisions about the form or timing of privatisation will be taken until after the election, when all interested parties, including employees and their representatives, will have an opportunity to express their views.