§ Mr. Iain Millsasked the Secretary of State for Energy what assessment he has made of the effect the reduced price for coal sold to the Central Electricity Generating Board will have on the volume and rate of investment proposals for new coal mines by the National Coal Board; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David HuntThe NCB's new supply deal with the CEGB emphasises the need for the NCB to be able to produce coal more cheaply; new low-cost mines contribute to meeting this aim. Particular projects are in the first instance a matter for the NCB.
§ Mr. Barronasked the Secretary of State for Energy what discussions he is having with the National Coal Board about introducing legislation to affect trade unions within the industry; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David HuntI have regular discussions with the chairman on a wide range of issues affecting the coal 269W industry. As I said in Buxton on 17 June, it is the Government's hope that proper representation for the Union of Democratic Mineworkers in the various coal industry bodies in which it has a legitimate interest can be obtained through negotiation. But, if legislation proves necessary to achieve this, the Government intend to introduce such legislation at an early opportunity.