HC Deb 15 February 1988 vol 127 c511W
31. Mr. Eadie

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what criteria he uses in considering applications from British Coal relating to proposed new pit sinkings.

Mr. Michael Spicer

Investment decisions in respect of new mines, like other capital expenditure, are for the British Coal Corporation. Under long-standing arrangements it consults my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State as to the public interest before reaching its decision.

The criteria to be applied by nationalised industries to capital expenditure are set out in Cmnd. 7131.

34. Mr. Patchett

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy when he next intends to meet representatives of the National Union of Mineworkers to discuss the future of British Coal.

Mr. Parkinson

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Midlothian (Mr. Eadie) on 11 February at column346.