asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will take steps to ensure that competitive tendering is introduced for the delivery of concessionary fuel to mineworkers.

This is a matter for the British Coal Corporation or the appropriate trade union responsible for arranging the delivery of concessionary fuel.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will estimate the average consumption of house coal and smokeless fuel per household in the United Kingdom; and if he will publish details of the supply of concessionary fuel to mineworkers in each National Coal Board area.

The information requested on average consumption of solid fuel per household is not immediately available. I shall give my hon. Friend a fuller reply as soon as possible. The provision of concessionary coal is a matter for the British Coal Corporation, and governed by agreements between them and the mining unions. I have asked the chairman to write to my hon. Friend.