§ Q69. Mr. Ray Powellasked the Prime Minister if she will now consider the representation of the Welsh Churches organisations supported by the south Wales National Union of Mineworkers and the National Union of Mineworkers nationally, to attempt to prepare a basis for immediate negotiations with the National Coal Board to resolve the mining dispute.
§ The Prime MinisterThe hon. Gentleman will be aware that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy met the leaders of both the British Council of Churches and the Council of Churches for Wales last week. I share the concern expressed by the Churches about the damage this pointless dispute is inflicting on the mining industry and its communities. Like them, I also wish for a swift, constructive settlement. But any settlement must offer the industry a viable future.