HC Deb 09 July 1997 vol 297 c491W
Mr. Eric Clarke

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if the Coal Authority will transfer the cleared Monktonhall Colliery Site to the ownership of Midlothian Council. [6774]

Mr. Wilson

This is a matter for the Coal Authority. Under Section 3(4) of the Coal Industry Act 1994, it is the duty of the Authority to secure the best terms reasonably available for disposal of the site if a buyer cannot be found to keep the mine operational.