§ Mr. MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy (1) when he next expects to announce the commencement of enhanced prices for coal produced by the members of the South Wales Small Mines Association, pursuant to his conditional letter of offer to the association dated 24 October;
(2) what response he will be making to the comments dated 30 October of the director of the competition directorate of the European Commission on his letter of offer of enhanced coal prices dated 24 October to the South Wales Small Mines Association.
§ Mr. BaldryThe offer made by National Power and British Coal to the South Wales Small Mines Association was set out in a paper handed to the association on 24 7W October at a meeting in my Department. The European Commission's view of the terms of this offer was conveyed in a letter dated 30 October addressed to the solicitors representing the association. I understand that members of the association have voted to reject the offer. It will now be for the Commission to reach a decision on the complaint made by the association which gave rise to the recent negotiations. My Department stands ready to provide the Commission with any further information or assistance it may need.