In his first major television interview,
Sir Ian MacGregor , the controversial businessman who led the Coal Board during the miners' strike, talks to Martyn Lewis about his decisions, which dramatically affected the lives of thousands of British workers. Sir Ian retired from a successful career in America as head of one of the world's largest multi-national companies at the age of 65. Hehasspentthepastten years Pursuing his mission to make Britain's ailing nationalised industries more competitive - first on the board of British
Leyland, then as Chairman of British Steel and, until recently, at British Coal.
At his Scottish home, Sir Ian talks about: foreign backing for the motor industry; the contrasting quality of management at the Steel and Coal Boards; disagreements with Energy Secretary, Peter Walker ; the dangers of the 'Porgy and Bess' syndrome and the 'plastic bag' joke which misfired.
Lady Sibyl MacGregor recalls her concern for the effect the strike had on miners' families. Videotape editor KENNETH CONNELL Research PATRICIA CAMPBELL Editor ELWYN PARRY JONES