Of course we all know the old adage that unity is strength and Macgregor knew that too, so he engineered a split in the ranks of the N.U.M. For rather than listen to the likes of Ned Smith, the Boards industrial relations officer, who had spent a life time in the industry.

He used political contacts like the right wing Tory, David Hart who helped organize the National Working Men's Committee, which was principally an anti-union organization. That later became the U.D.M. At his first meeting with them, Hart was introduced as D. H. Lawrence, because he didn't want his name broadcasted. Hart also had access to the Prime Minister and a friend of Tom Bell a former director of Satchi & Satchi and were frequently around Hobard House the N.C.B. H.Q.

Macgregor dismissed Geoffry Kirk, the public relations director, for the Coal Board because he challenged the activities of the Hart-Bell partnership. Then Kirks early retirement was 'arranged' and every attempt were made to damp down the public controversy.

During the strike hopes of a solution were raised and dashed as negotiations went on. Then towards the end of the strike, on Jan. 21st 1985 talks took place between P. Heathfield and Ned Smith the Boards industrial relations officer, leading to some optimism with a formula for ending the dispute. But Smith insists that Macgregor initially gave his approval to the formula to settle things. Then backed off without giving any clear reason. Even before Smith reported back to Macgregor on the meeting, he saw a newspaper report with the headlines, "Talks Collapse" Smith was quite convinced that the hand of Government had once more shown itself to be in charge. They were determined that the miners should not be let off the hook. It had to be a clear victory over the N.U.M. with no loopholes and through that route to administer a severe blow to active trade unionists as a whole through out the country.

Ned Smith retired early, principally because he disagreed with the Macgregor's style and tactics. For he used the weapons of the employers of the past: Unemployment, Victimisation, Poverty, Propaganda, Threats and Blackmail. And British Coal, re-organised by Macgregor appear to have used the same ploy in their further run down of the coal industry.