§ 15. Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he intends to meet the leaders of the National Union of Mineworkers and the Union of Democratic Mineworkers; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerI am always willing to meet the leaders of any recognised trade union.
§ Mr. Strangasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he has discussed with the chairman of the National Coal Board the implications for the coal industry of recognition by the National Coal Board of the Union of Democratic Mineworkers.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerThe recognition of trade unions within the coal industry is a matter for the NCB. I am sure that it is desirable that mineworkers should be represented by the union of their choice.