§ Mr. Masonasked the Secretary of State for Energy, in order to bring coal supplies in line with demand, if he will direct the National Coal Board to cut back coal imports and curtail opencast coal mining; if he will call upon the National Union of Mineworkers and the National Coal Board to discuss industrial peace in the industry; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Giles ShawImports of coal into the United Kingdom represented only about 4 per cent. of total demand for coal in 1983, and were principally of types and qualities of coal for which the NCB could not meet demand. It is up to the NCB to consider what level of opencast coal output is desirable.
The NCB continues to consult normally with two of the industry's unions. The board has made clear its readiness to discuss with all three unions the timetable for the restructuring necessary to realise a high-volume low-cost 34W industry. It is a matter of regret that the NUM has not attended any of the industry's recent consultative meetings.