§ Mr. Iain Millsasked the Secretary of State for Energy if, when he next meets the chairman of the National Coal Board, he will raise with him the board's practice with 334W regard to the speed with which it pursues formal planning applications for new mine developments after the initial announcement of its intention to proceed, and the implications of this for planning blight in the areas affected; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David HuntThis is a matter for the National Coal Board, and I shall ask the chairman to write to my hon. Friend.