HC Deb 15 February 1988 vol 127 cc508-9W
16. Mr. Janner

To ask the Secretary of Slate for Energy when he last met the chairman of British Coal; and what matters were discussed.

37. Mr. Hardy

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy when he last met the chairman of British Coal; and what matters were discussed.

Mr. Parkinson

I meet the chairman of British Coal at regular intervals to discuss all aspects of the coal industry.

Mr. Cummings

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what information he has as to how the £25 million investment plan recently announced for the north-east area for British Coal will be apportioned as between(a) Murton Howthorn, (b) Vane Tempest-Seaham, (c) Easington, (d) Dawdon, (e) Wearnmouth and (f) Westho.

Mr. Michael Spicer

The allocation of capital to individual collieries is a management matter for British Coal and I have asked the chairman to write to the hon. Member.

Mr. Cummings

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy whether he intends to privatise British Coal engineering workshops, transport, and canteen services.

Mr. Michael Spicer

Decisions on the appropriate balance between in-house and bought-in services are management matters for the British Coal Corporation.