§ Mr. Blairasked the Prime Minister what discussions there have been between the Government and chief constables of police regarding the current mining dispute.
§ The Prime MinisterOn 16 March, on behalf of his colleagues in England and Wales, the chief constable of Humberside, who is the president of the Association of Chief Police Officers reported on the policing operations personally to my right hon. and learned Friend the Home Secretary. The chief constable also reported on the situation when the Home Secretary made a long arranged visit to the Humberside constabulary on 23 March. On 22 March, the chief constable of Nottinghamshire was present at meetings about the policing costs between members of Nottinghamshire county council and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment and my right hon. Friend the Minister of State, Home Office.
§ Mr. Blairasked the Prime Minister (1) which Ministers have met representatives of the National Coal Board during the past three weeks;
2W(2) what discussions there have been between the Government and the National Coal Board regarding the current mining dispute.
§ The Prime MinisterDepartment of Energy Ministers meet representatives of the NCB regularly as part of their normal responsibilities for that industry. Other members of the Government meet the NCB from time to time.