§ 27. Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy what is his most recent estimate of the effect of the electricity supply industry on future employment in the British coal industry; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WakehamThe coal industry will need to ensure that its future output and prices meet the needs of its main 99W customers including the privatised electricity generators. Employment in the industry will depend both on demand for coal and future productivity gains. It is for British Coal to determine what its manpower requirements are and how it will meet them.