§ 31. Mr. Ridleyasked the Secretary of State for Energy what consultations he has had with the chairman of the National Coal Board about increases in miners' pay for the coming year.
§ Mr. EadieMy discussions with the chairman of the National Coal Board cover a wide range of topics, but the levels of pay in the coal industry are traditionally for negotiation between the board and the coal mining unions against the background of the financial and economic prospects of the industry. Both sides are well aware of the Government's guidelines.