§ Miss Maynardasked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to be able to give details of the starting date for the Vale of Belvoir coal mining development; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FoxThe public local inquiry into the National Coal Board's application for planning permission for the Vale of Belvoir coal mining development has been completed, and the inspector's report is now awaited. Once this has been received, a decision will be given as quickly as possible. If planning permission is granted, it will be for the National Coal Board to decide when it expects to be able to start work.