Lord Chelwoodasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will summarise the organisation and achievements to date of NCB (Enterprise) Ltd; how many former miners under 65 are unemployed in each region and could thus benefit from its work; and whether they are satisfied that the resources available to it match the scale of demand and will continue to do so.
§ The Earl of AvonNCB (Enterprise) Ltd has been in operation since October 1984. It has already established links with enterprise agencies throughout the British coalfields. In reply to some 140 applications for assistance so far received by the company, ten offers of financial support have already been made, two of which have so far been accepted.
The figures requested by the noble Lord regarding former miners are not available, but men who take voluntary redundancy will receive full details of how NCB Enterprise can help, and details will also be advertised to attract any potential entrepreneurs, including former miners. The company is not confining the loans it makes to ex-miners: it will consider making loans to anyone who can increase employment where it is needed in the coalfields. The funds available to NCB (Enterprise) Ltd will be kept under review as the company's operations progress.