§ Mr. ClaphamTo ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will ensure that British Coal land leased to miners' welfares will be outwith any disposal scheme; and if he will ensure that its future use for sport and recreational use is safeguarded.
§ Mr. Charles WardleA number of options are currently being considered for the future of British Coal's recreational land. No decisions have yet been taken.
It is the Government's objective, however, that land currently in active use for sport and recreation is retained for those purposes.
§ Mr. ClaphamTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what mechanisms he will apply to ensure that the assets of the coal industry are not packaged in a different way from its liabilities.
§ Mr. EggarIn general, the property, rights and liabilities of British Coal which relate to the on-going business will transfer to successor companies. Certain liabilities of British Coal relating to the period before privatisation—for example, liability for personal injury and disease as announced on 6 June—will remain in the public sector.
This was explained in the information memorandum which was provided to prequalifiers for the sale.
§ Mr. ClaphamTo ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will ensure that proceeds from the coal industry's assets are used to tackle the aftermath of the industry's decline; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. EggarNo. However, the Government have put in place a substantial regeneration package for areas affected by coal closures, with support of £200 million.