§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the President of the Board of Trade over what time scale the £165 million package he announced to assist coalfield communities will be allocated; what part of this sum is in addition to existing departmental spending plans; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. EggarThe employment package of up to £75 million announced by my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Employment, will be spread over this financial year and the next. The £5 million coalfield areas fund will be spent over the same period. The English Estates £85 million programme of premises and sites provision will be spread over three or four years. These programmes will provide additional assistance for the areas affected.
§ Mr. WinnickTo ask the President of the Board of Trade how the citizens charter will apply to the mining community.
§ Mr. EggarThe citizens charter will apply to the mining community as individual members of the public who are entitled to receive high-quality public services.