§ 18. Mr. Galleyasked the Secretary of State for Energy what has been the total amount of investment in the United Kingdom's coalmining industry since 1981–82; and how this compares with the level invested in the French coalmining industry over the same period.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerCapital investment in the United Kingdom coal industry in 1981–82 and 1982–83 was £1,670 million (at 1983 prices). A further £800 million has been approved for 1983–84.
Estimates from the European Commission indicate that in 1981 and 1982, investment in the French coalmining industry was about £70 million, with an estimated further £61 million for 1983. The French Government have recently announced proposals to cut this coal production by 40 per cent. and to cut the number of miners by 50 per cent.
§ 24. Sir William van Straubenzeeasked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he will make a statement on the current dispute in the coal industry.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerI much regret that the current strike action is worsening the coal industry's prospects. Already there has been a considerable slump in the number of industries applying for grants to convert to coal.
§ 27. Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he has any plans to meet the president of the National Union of Mineworkers to discuss industrial relations in the coal industry; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerThe unions and the board at their meeting on 6 March discussed the preparation of a list of subjects to discuss with me. I will meet them when they have completed these preparations.
§ 31. Mr. Eadieasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he has received any new information about the future of manpower and coal production from the National Coal Board.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerThe National Coal Board announced on 6 March 1984 planned deep-mine production in 1984–85 of 97.4 million tonnes. The reasons360W for this and the implications for areas were set out in a special edition of Coal News, a copy of which is in the Library of the House.