§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the President of the Board of Trade how many representations he has received in the last three months from businesses wishing to take over existing pits in Wales; how many different firms have sent such offers; what criteria he is using to judge each request; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Eggar[holding answer 24 November 1992]: My Department has received representations from four businesses interested in existing pits in Wales.
On the question of consideration of expressions of interest in closing pits, I refer to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Richmond, Yorks (Mr. Hague) on 15 December, Official Report, columns 145–46.