HC Deb 30 October 1992 vol 212 cc950-1W
Mr. Richards

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make it his policy that the proposed investment by British Coal at the Point of Ayr colliery in north Wales with regard to the introduction of a second and third continuous miner will proceed on schedule.

Mr. Eggar

British Coal has given an assurance that development work will continue at the 21 pits covered by the review announced by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade on 21 October. This includes Point of Ayr. Detailed investment decisions are, however, a matter for British Coal.

Mr. Richards

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make it his policy that, in the event of British Coal deciding not to continue with its mining operation at the Point of Ayr colliery in north Wales, the mine will be offered for sale to a private enterprise.

Mr. Eggar

My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade has put in hand a full and wide-ranging review of the prospects for the 21 pits proposed for closure by British Coal but not subject to the statutory consultation currently being undertaken by British Coal. Point of Ayr is one of these. The review will decide whether the case for closure at each of the pits in question has been fully made. It would not be appropriate to speculate about the outcome in relation to Point of Ayr until the review is complete.

Mr. Richards

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what discussions he has had with Power Gen about the demand for coal from the Point of Ayr colliery; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Eggar

The sourcing of coal for its power stations is a matter for PowerGen and its suppliers. The market prospects for coal and the future of Point of Ayr colliery will be considered as part of the review announced by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade on 21 October.

Mr. Hanson

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make it his policy that planned investment in Point of Ayr colliery will continue during the period of the announced pit closure moratorium.

Mr. Eggar

[holding answer 29 October 1992]: British Coal is continuing with development work at the 21 pits covered by the moratorium, including Point of Ayr, for the period of the review announced by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade.