§ Mr. StanleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy what is his current policy on the licensing of opencast coal mines; and whether he is considering any alterations to the present licensing system.
§ Mr Michael SpicerThe Government are keen to see a thriving private mining sector competing in the market place. They welcome British Coal's agreement to set royalties at a level which will allow efficient operators to be profitable and the royalty reductions that have been made to reflect more difficult market conditions. In the interests of greater transparency, I have asked British Coal to set out, in consultation with the representatives of the licensed operators, a statement of its licensing policy and practice. Changes in the licensing limits would require legislation, the need for which has been overtaken by our plans to privatise the entire coal industry in the next Parliament.