§ Mr. RedwoodTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what action she plans to take to assist the coal industry after June. [24410]
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§ Mrs. Beckett[holding answer 20 January 1998]: My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister announced on 10 December 1997, Official Report, column 1003, that we were using the opportunity of the supply arrangements for the period to 30 June 1998 to review the long-term energy requirements of the nation and make sure we have an energy policy consistent with a competitive industry and the long-term energy needs of the country. The role of coal, and the opportunities for the UK coal industry, will be considered in that context.
§ Mr. RedwoodTo ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) when the Minister for Science, Energy and Industry was first informed of the Prime Minister's intention to announce an extension to coal contracts; [24408]
(2) when the Minister for Science, Energy and Industry was first notified of the decision by the Prime Minister to ask the Paymaster General to negotiate agreement between the coal companies and the generators; and what consultations he had with the Paymaster General before the decision; [24406]
(3) what consultation the Minister for Science, Energy and Industry held with ministerial colleagues prior to the Prime Minister's announcement of an extension of coal contracts. [24407]
§ Mrs. Beckett[holding answer 20 January 1998]: The Minister for Science, Energy and Industry has worked closely with ministerial colleagues and the Prime Minister at all stages in dealing with matters relating to the coal industry.
§ Mr. RedwoodTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment her Department has made of the likely job losses in the coal mining industry over the next two years. [25423]
§ Mr. BattleLevels of employment in the coal mining industry will depend upon the commercial decisions taken by the private sector coal companies.
§ Mr. RedwoodTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment she has made of the impact of the Prime Minister's pledge to cut CO2 emissions by 20 per cent. on jobs in the mining industry over the next five years. [25419]
§ Mr. BattleThe Government's review of energy sources for power generation will consider the role that coal can play in contributing to the United Kingdom's energy and electricity generation requirements in the context of sustainable development, including the meeting of environmental targets.