HC Deb 13 February 1980 vol 978 cc642-3W
Mr. Eadie

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will reconvene the research and development working party of the Coal Industry Tripartite Working Group.

Mr. John Moore

At the last meeting of the Coal Industry Tripartite Group, the National Union of Mineworkers suggested that the group's research and development working party should be reconvened. I agree with this suggestion. Two years have passed since the report of this working party was prepared. Progress since then on coal conversion and utilisation and on unconventional coal mining should now be reviewed and the way ahead reassessed. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has reconvened the working party under my chairmanship. It will meet on 20 February 1980.