HC Deb 23 June 1993 vol 227 c227W
16. Mr. Mullin

To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many of the pits originally scheduled for closure have been closed; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Eggar

British Coal has decided it no longer wishes to operate 18 of these pits, and coaling has ceased at them. British Coal has given a commitment to offer all such pits to the private sector and has so far invited bids for nine of them. I understand that British Coal will be offering the remainder in the next few weeks.