HC Deb 23 July 1990 vol 177 cc110-1W
22. Mr. Stevens

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy when he last met the chairman of British Coal to discuss the coal industry's record on productivity.

Mr. Wakeham

I meet the chairman of British Coal on a regular basis to discuss all aspects of the coal industry, including productivity in which the corporation has achieved excellent improvements since 1985.

Mr. John Marshall

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement about the level of public support for British Coal since 1985–86.

Mr. Baldry

Since 1985–86 we have made over £3.5 billion in grants available to the corporation, and a further £6.5 billion is in the pipeline for the present financial reconstruction.

68. Mr. Boswell

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

75. Mr. Burns

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

Mr. Baldry

We have financed over £7 billion investment in the British Coal Corporation since 1979.

57. Mr. Gow

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what assessment he has made of the advantages which would flow from the privatisation of British Coal.

Mr. Baldry

No decisions will be taken on the future structure of the coal industry until after the next election, but we remain firmly committed to privatisation as the best means to achieve a business able to meet the needs of its customers on a sound commercial basis.

53. Mr. Batiste

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy when he last met the chairman of British Coal to discuss the coal industry's record on productivity.

73. Mr. Ashby

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy when he last met the chairman of British Coal to discuss the coal industry's record on productivity.

Mr. Wakeham

I meet the chairman of British Coal on a regular basis to discuss all aspects of the coal industry, including productivity in which the corporation has achieved excellent improvements since 1985.

42. Mr. Riddick

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy whether he has any plans to discuss the privatisation of British Coal with the president of the National Union of Mineworkers.

Mr. Wakeham

We have made it clear that we intend to privatise the coal industry after the next general election, and, when that time comes, we shall welcome the views of all interested parties.

36. Mr. Buckley

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy when he next expects to meet the chairman of British Coal regarding future employment levels in the industry.

58. Mr. Meale

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy when he next expects to meet the chairman of British Coal regarding future employment levels in the industry.

Mr. Wakeham

I meet the chairman of British Coal from time to time to discuss a range of issues.