§ Dr. Kim HowellsTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy (1) if he has any proposals to change the present arrangements for appeals against decisions by British Coal on claims concerning the effects of mining subsidence brought by individuals and organisations against that company;
(2) if he will set up local arbitration panels to resolve all claims concerning mining subsidence in respect of private dwellings, and up to .50,000, index-linked, in respect of other property.
§ Mr. BaldryIn line with the recommendations of the Waddilove report, the Government, in the White Paper "The Repair and Compensation System for Coal Mining Subsidence Damage", Cm. 235, undertook to review in November 1990 the procedures for resolving disputes over subsidence damage. In view of the Government's intention to legislate at the earliest practicable opportunity, this review has been brought forward and is presently under way.
§ Dr. Kim HowellsTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy what is the number of mining subsidence claims, by coalfield or British Coal administrative region, currently being processed by British Coal.
§ Mr. BaldryDetails of British Coal's subsidence claims for 1987–88 are contained in an annual report to the Secretary of State for Energy, copies of which have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses. I hope that the annual report for 1988–89 will be available shortly.