§ Mr. Woofasked the Secretary of State for Energy what reassessment of the coal industry's future he considers to be needed to meet demand for British-produced coal in the European Economic Community, and in the development of world energy markets; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. EadieThese factors have constantly been in my mind in consideration of the coal industry's future and the projections of future production in the report of the tripartite group, "Coal for the Future" take potential export markets into account. Thus, no reassessment is neccessary. But it must be recognised that most of the projected United Kingdom coal output will be needed to meet home demands.
§ Mr. Rostasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he plans to hold discussions with the National Coal Board and the National Union of Miners on the negotiations currently taking place on local productivity schemes.
§ Mr. BennNo. The introduction of a productivity scheme is entirely a matter
494Wton of coal projected in the Common Market countries of West Germany, Belgium, France and the Netherlands; and what is the total figure involved.
§ Mr. BennState aids to the coal industries of the Community are estimated by the Commission in documents COM(77)127 for 1976 and COM(77)570 for 1977 as follows:
for negotiation between the National Coal Board and the National Union of Mineworkers.