§ Mr. Mike O'BrienTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans he has to provide, under the coal industry privatisation, for the continuation of supply of free or subsidised fuel to miners and miners' widows and dependants on the same terms as at present; and what consideration has been given to paying compensation in its place, either(a) as a lump sum or (b) as periodical payments.
§ Mr. EggarThe Government will ensure that existing concessionary fuel entitlements from British Coal will be safeguarded following privatisation of British Coal.
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienTo ask the President of the Board of Trade if former miners and miners' widows and dependants will be given written and full details of the impact of privatisation on their pension arrangements and their fuel allowance before any shares are sold.
§ Mr. EggarI refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave the Member for St. Helens, North (Mr. Evans) on 20 May,Official Report, column 156.
No decisions have been taken on the form or timing of privatisation.