§ Mr. CummingsTo ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) what guidelines have been set by his Department for Boyds Mining Consultants in relation to the assessment of viability of the 21 collieries under current review;
(2) what methodology will be used by Boyds Mining Consultants to assess the viability of each of the 21 collieries currently under review.
§ Mr. EggarI refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend for Waveney (Mr. Porter) on 20 November 1992,Official Report, column 433.
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§ Mr. CummingsTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the likely cost to the Exchequer for work to be carried out by Boyds Mining Consultants in relation to the viability study on the 21 collieries under current review.
§ Mr. EggarDetails of contractual terms between the Department and its consultants are commercially confidential.
§ Mr. CummingsTo ask the President of the Board of Trade how many private companies have expressed an interest in operating any number of the 10 collieries at present in the review procedure and due to close in January 1993.
§ Mr. EggarMy Department knows of eight private sector companies which have expressed potential interest in operating one or more of the 10 collieries currently subject to statutory consultation.
§ Mr. CummingsTo ask the President of the Board of Trade how many consultancies were asked to tender by his Department to assess the viability of the 21 collieries under present review.
§ Mr. EggarJohn T. Boyd Company was the only consultancy approached. In the light of its previous work for the Department, it is uniquely well-placed to complete the study in the very limited time available. I am satisfied that its appointment represents good value for money.
§ Mr. TippingTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what external legal advice he has taken over who is responsible for the cost of cleaning any future river pollution arising from the closure of collieries; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. EggarThe relevant legislation on water pollution and, in particular, discharges into the United Kingdom's river system, the Water Resources Act 1991, is the responsibility of my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment.
§ Mr. TippingTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what discussions he has had with British Coal and the National Rivers Authority about the environmental effects of proposed colliery closures; what consultancy work is planned and by whom; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. EggarNone. I understand that there is regular liaison between British Coal and the NRA at local and regional levels on all issues relevant to the NRA's responsibilities for regulating water pollution.