HC Deb 07 March 1988 vol 129 c26W
25. Mr. Brandon-Bravo

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy when he next expects to meet the chairman of British Coal to discuss productivity.

45. Mr. Andrew Mitchell

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy when he next expects to meet the chairman of British Coal to discuss working practices in the coal mining industry.

47. Mr. Hardy

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

Mr. Parkinson

I regularly have meetings with the chairman to discuss all aspects of the coal industry.

30. Mr. John Marshall

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy how much public funding support is being provided for British Coal in the current year.

Mr. Michael Spicer

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to the hon. member for Birmingham, Northfield (Mr. King) earlier today.

32. Mr. Forth

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what has been the improvement in productivity in the coal industry since March 1985.

39. Mr. Baldry

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what has been the improvement in productivity in the coal industry since March 1985.

Mr. Michael Spicer

Productivity in 1984–85 was, of course, affected by the miners strike. Deep-mined revenue output per man shift for the week ended 20 February was 3.52 tonnes, an increase of some 67 per cent. on the average of 2.11 tonnes for April 1985.