§ 21. Mr. Edwin Wainwrightasked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he has any plans to meet the chairman of the National Coal Board and the representatives of the National Union of Mineworkers to discuss the future of the coalmining industry.
§ Mr. John MooreAs my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy told the House on 19 February, there was a Tripartite meeting of the coal industry on 18 February, and another is arranged for next Wednesday 25 February.
§ 22. Mr. Hardyasked the Secretary of State for Energy how many persons are now employed, and how many collieries are currently operated, by the National Coal Board.
§ Mr. John MooreThe National Coal Board tells me that at the end of September 1980 there were 287,386 employees. It is currently operating 211 collieries.