§ Mr. John MorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy whose consent is required for the commencement of work on Margam pit; and whether British Coal has sufficient capital available for the work in 1989–90.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerDecisions on particular investments are a matter for British Coal. However, there are long-standing arrangements under which major projects are the subject of prior consultation with the Secretary of State. British Coal's capital allocation for each of the years 1989–90 to 1991–92 has been reduced by £25 million from the figures originally set out in Cm 606. Within these capital allocations, it is for British Coal to determine the priority to be given to specific projects.