§ Mr. TippingTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what external legal advice he has taken over who is responsible for the cost of clearing any future river pollution arising from the closure of collieries; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Maclean[holding answer 24 November 1992]: None. It is for the National Rivers Authority, and in turn, the courts, to apply the provisions of the Water Resources Act 1991 and any other relevant legislation to any particular case.
§ Mr. TippingTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what discussions he has had with the National Rivers Authority, water company chairmen and British Coal about the environmental effects of colliery closures; what consultancy work is planned and by whom; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Maclean[holding answer 24 November 1992]: It is for British Coal and the National Rivers Authority, in the first place, to assess the environmental effects of colliery closures. The NRA is currently carrying out a review of water pollution from abandoned mines.