HC Deb 21 March 2001 vol 365 cc227-8W
Ms Squire

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the progress towards a settlement between British Coal and its canteen workers on equal value claims. [153613]

Mr. Hain [holding answer 19 March 2001]

Negotiations between the legal representatives of British Coal and the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) have re-opened. On 7 March, British Coal made a new and significantly improved offer, but unfortunately there has, as yet, been no response from the NUM side.

I very much hope the NUM will give the offer the serious consideration which it merits, as I am anxious that a way can be found to allow payments to be made to the claimants as quickly as possible.

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