HC Deb 26 June 1989 vol 155 c352W
22. Mr. Gow

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy when he expects to complete the privatisation of the coal industry.

Mr. Parkinson

We intend to privatise the coal industry as soon as possible after the next general election. The precise timing will depend on the decisions reached on the future structure of the industry and the terms under which operators will be able to mine coal.