§ 5. Mr. Dormandasked the Secretary of State for Energy when he will next meet the chairman of British Coal to discuss the present state of the coal industry.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerI meet the chairman of British Coal regularly to discuss all aspects of the coal industry.
§ 15. Mr. Skinnerasked the Secretary of State for Energy if, when he next meets the new chairman of the National Coal Board, he will raise with him the board's policy towards the reinstatement of sacked miners; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David HuntAs the hon. Gentleman is aware, the dismissal and re-employment of employees is a matter entirely for the management of British Coal.
§ 22. Mrs. Clwydasked the Secretary of State for Energy what is his latest assessment of the effect on the United Kingdom of the new European Economic Community rules on state aid to the coal industry.
§ Mr. David HuntThe effect on the United Kingdom of the European Community state aids decision is, as the Government intended, to allow us to continue to give essential financial support to the National Coal Board without breaking our treaty obligations.
§ 24. Mr. Barronasked the Secretary of State for Energy when he last met the chairman of the National Coal Board; and what subjects were discussed.
§ Mr. David HuntMy right hon. Friend and I have regular meetings with the chairman of British Coal, in which we discuss a range of coal related issues.
§ 26. Mr. Ron Daviesasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will outline Government policy towards coal production in the light of present and foreseeable oil prices.
§ Mr. David HuntCoal has a major role to play in meeting the nation's long-term fuel requirements provided it can be produced efficiently, reliably and at prices which are fully competitive with those of other fuels.
§ 29. Mr. Hardyasked the Secretary of State for Energy when he last met the chairman of British Coal; and what matters were discussed.
§ Mr. David HuntMy right hon. Friend and I meet the chairman of British Coal at regular intervals, and discuss a wide variety of issues concerning the coal industry.