HC Deb 10 May 1993 vol 224 c310W
Mr. Alex Carlile

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he intends to allow the running of Betws colliery to be taken over by the private sector; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Eggar

British Coal is committed to offering to the private sector pits which it no longer wishes to operate, including Betws. The Government welcome this commitment.

Mr. Alex Carlile

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what recent inquiries there have been from the private sector into the possibility of taking over the running of Betws colliery: and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Eggar

My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade and I have recently had a number of discussions with representatives of the private mining sector about a range of matters.

British Coal is, of course, committed to offering to the private sector pits which it no longer wishes to operate and is keen to begin this process as rapidly as possible.