§ Mr. Patrick Jenkinasked the Secretary of State for Energy what communications he has had from the Director-General of 169W the NEDO about fluctuating and irregular ordering of mining machinery and coal preparation equipment; and what replies he has sent.
§ Mr. EadieThe National Economic Development Office has written to my Department and to the Treasury passing on the views of the Council of Underground Machinery Manufacturers and the Coal Preparation Plant Association about the current level of National Coal Board ordering. The National Economic Development Office has also been in touch with the National Coal Board, and I understand that the Chairman of the Board has now written to the Director-General dealing with the specific points raised.