§ Mr. Heddleasked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) if he will publish (a) the number of claims for compensation for coal mining subsidence for each of the last 10 years, (b) the amount paid annually for the same period and (c) the number of cases for the corresponding period in which the compensated party received a contribution towards surveyors' and/or solicitors' fees;
39W(2) if he will publish the number of cases for compensation for coal mining subsidence which have been referred to (a) the courts and (b) the Lands Tribunal for each of the last 10 years.
§ Mr. Giles ShawThe information requested by my hon. Friend is within the province of the National Coal Board and detailed statistics of this kind are not held by my Department. My hon. Friend will know, however, that I view with great concern the recent rapid increase in the provision the board has judged it necessary to make in connection with damage arising from coal mining subsidence. As my right hon. Friend told the Select Committee on Energy on 28 February, he has asked the National Coal Board for a report on the circumstances surrounding this decision.