§ Mr. Masonasked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) what discussions he has had with the Opencast Executive and the chairman of the National Coal Board regarding privatisation of opencast coalmining operations; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what discussions he has had with the chairman and members of the National Coal Board regarding privatisation of some deep mined coal production units; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David HuntThe Government have no plans for privatising the National Coal Board's mining activities.