§ Mr. Ormeasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what discussions he is having regarding assistance to the residents of Oakthorpe village; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ChopeLast month I met a delegation from North-West Leicestershire district council led by my hon. Friend the Member for Leicestershire, North-West (Mr. Ashby) to discuss their call for assistance for Oakthorpe. Following the positive response of British Coal in tackling the problems caused by the underground fire and its expenditure of £2 million on essential works, I discussed with the council ways in which it might seek to obtain further assistance from the Government for environmental improvements in the general improvement area it has declared at Oakthorpe.