HC Deb 26 March 1990 vol 170 cc90-1W
42. Mr. Hardy

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

Mr. Wakeham

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

44. Mr. Patchett

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what is his most up-to-date estimate of the numbers employed by British Coal in 1990, 1991 and 1992.

60. Mr. Allen McKay

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what is his most up-to-date estimate of the manpower figures for British Coal in 1990–91.

Mr. Baldry

The Government do not make estimates of future manpower levels in British Coal. Such levels depend on a number of factors, including the corporation's continued ability to raise its competitiveness.

Mr. Janman

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

Mr. Baldry

Since 1979 the Government have invested over £6.5 billion in the coal industry and continue to invest at a rate of over £2 million every working day.