35.
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy when he last met the chairman of British Coal to discuss the future of the coal industry.
I meet the chairman of British Coal regularly to discuss all aspects of the coal industry.
47.
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy when he last met the chairman of British Coal to discuss investment funding for new pits in the east midlands.
I meet the chairman of British Coal on a regular basis to discuss all aspects of the coal industry. I have recently announced a capital allocation for the corporation for 1990–91 of £445 million. Within this allocation investment in particular projects is a commercial matter for the management of British Coal, but I would of course expect to be consulted about any major new investment project.
49.
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy when he next expects to see the chairman of British Coal to discuss productivity.
I meet the chairman of British Coal on a regular basis to discuss all aspects of the coal industry, including productivity in which the corporation has achieved excellent improvements since 1985.