§ Lord Kissinasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether, when considering the dismissal of miners, full weight will be given by the National Coal Board to the considerations set out in paragraph 15(c) of the ACAS Code of Practice on Discriminatory Practice and Procedure in Employment; and whether, in view of reports that some Area Managers are adopting a harsher policy than others, the Government will encourage the National Coal Board in consultation with the National Union of Mineworkers to set up an independent review body to examine the cases of all dismissed miners.
§ The Minister of State, Scottish Office (Lord Gray of Contin)The dismissal and re-employment of their employees are matters for the National Coal Board. If any person considers that he has been unfairly dismissed he has the right to take his case to an industrial tribunal. The NCB is well aware of the ACAS Code of Practice to which the Question refers.