§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking to prevent large-scale voluntary redundancies at British Coal collieries preempting the outcome of his energy review; what discussions officials of his Department have had with British Coal about these matters; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. EggarBritish Coal is continuing its normal voluntary redundancy policy. This is an important element in its drive to reduce unit costs and improve the industry's competitiveness and does not pre-empt the outcome of the review.