HC Deb 13 November 1989 vol 160 c93W
6. Mr. Douglas

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will list the topics which he intends to raise when he next meets the chairman of British Coal.

Mr. Wakeham

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Barnsley, Central (Mr. Illsley) earlier today.

23. Mr. Patchett

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

Mr. Wakeham

I meet the chairman of British Coal regularly to discuss all aspects of the coal industry.

47. Mr. Andrew Mitchell

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

Mr. Michael Spicer

My right hon. Friend and I meet the chairman of British Coal regularly to discuss all aspects of the coal industry.

49. Mr. Riddick

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy how much has been invested in British Coal since 1979.

Mr. Michael Spicer

Over £6.5 billion of capital expenditure has been invested in British Coal since 1979. Investment is continuing at over £2 million every working day.

77. Mr. Gow

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy when he now expects to announce proposals for the privatisation of British Coal.

Mr. Michael Spicer

The Government have announced their intention to privatise the coal industry in the next Parliament. The timing of privatisation will depend on, among other things, the industry's progress towards achieving a viable size and level of costs.